Anaerobic bacteria

Am J Ophthalmol, 2002 Jan, 133(1), 145 - 7
Acute postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Actinomyces neuii; Garelick JM et al.; PURPOSE: To describe a case of acute postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Actinomyces neuii after uncomplicated phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implant . METHODS: Interventional case report . A 58-year-old male underwent phacoemulsification, right eye, with posterior chamber intraocular lens implant . On postoperative day 6, he presented with pain, redness, and decreased visual acuity, right eye, and was found to have endophthalmitis . RESULTS: Vitreous cultures revealed the gram-positive, anaerobe Actinomyces neuii . After appropriate intraocular, periocular, topical, and systemic therapy, the infection cleared, but the vision of the patient never improved as a result of a central vein occlusion . CONCLUSION: Actinomyces species can rarely cause postoperative endophthalmitis, and it should be considered in cases of severe postoperative intraocular inflammation.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2002 Jan, 46(1), 220 - 4
In vitro antianaerobic activity of ertapenem (MK-0826) compared to seven other compounds; Hoellman DB et al.; Ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, ceftriaxone, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, clindamycin, and metronidazole were agar dilution MIC tested against 431 anaerobes . Imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem were the most active beta-lactams (MICs at which 50% of the strains are inhibited {MIC(50)s}, 0.125 to 0.25 microg/ml; MIC(90)s, 1.0 to 2.0 microg/ml) . Time-kill studies revealed that ertapenem at two times the MIC was bactericidal for 9 of 10 strains after 48 h . The kinetics for other beta-lactams were similar to those of ertapenem.

Gene, 2001 Dec 27, 281(1-2), 63 - 70
A gene, cobA + hemD, from Selenomonas ruminantium encodes a bifunctional enzyme involved in the synthesis of vitamin B12; Anderson PJ et al.; Coenzymes derived from vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) are particularly important for core metabolism in ruminant animals . Selenomonas ruminantium, a Gram-positive obligate anaerobe isolated from cattle, is the main contributor of vitamin B12 to such ruminant animals . In nature, there are both aerobic and anaerobic pathways for B12 synthesis - the latter is only partly elucidated . Until now, there has been no investigation of B12 synthesis in S . ruminantium, which must use an anaerobic pathway . This paper reports the cloning of the chromosomal operon from S . ruminantium which is responsible for the first committed steps in corrinoid synthesis . Five open reading frames were found in the cloned fragment . All deduced amino acid sequences had similarity to defined proteins in the databases that are involved in porphyrin and corrin synthesis . Of particular interest is the gene designated cobA + hemD, which encodes a single polypeptide possessing two catalytic functions - uroporphyrinogen III synthase and uroporphyrinogen III 2,7-methyltransferase . This enzyme converts hydroxymethylbilane to precorrin-2 . The functions of the protein coded by cobA + hemD were established by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli . The CobA activity has been demonstrated for three distinct types of proteins - monofunctional, bifunctional with siroheme formation and, this report, bifunctional with uroporphyrinogen III synthesis . The type found in S . ruminantium (cobA + hemD) is probably restricted to obligately anaerobic fermentative bacteria.

FEBS Lett, 2001 Dec 14, 509(3), 345 - 9
A new family of CoA-transferases; Heider J; CoA-transferases are found in organisms from all lines of descent . Most of these enzymes belong to two well-known enzyme families, but recent work on unusual biochemical pathways of anaerobic bacteria has revealed the existence of a third family of CoA-transferases . The members of this enzyme family differ in sequence and reaction mechanism from CoA-transferases of the other families . Currently known enzymes of the new family are a formyl-CoA: oxalate CoA-transferase, a succinyl-CoA: (R)-benzylsuccinate CoA-transferase, an (E)-cinnamoyl-CoA: (R)-phenyllactate CoA-transferase, and a butyrobetainyl-CoA: (R)-carnitine CoA-transferase . In addition, a large number of proteins of unknown or differently annotated function from Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya apparently belong to this enzyme family . Properties and reaction mechanisms of the CoA-transferases of family III are described and compared to those of the previously known CoA-transferases.

Biotechnol Bioeng, 2002 Jan 5, 77(1), 20 - 6
Acetoclastic methanogenic activity measurement by a titration bioassay; Rozzi A et al.; A titration bioassay, designed to accurately determine the activity of acetoclastic methanogens, is described that also allows evaluation of inhibition due to potential toxicants on the active biomass . The instrument is made of a pH-stat connected to an anaerobic batch reactor . Acetate is blended and mixed with anaerobic sludge in the reactor where a 1:1 N2 and CO2 mixture is sparged at the beginning of each test . As the acetoclastic methanogens consume acetate, the pH increase, and the titration unit adds acetic acid and keeps the pH constant . The rate of titrant addition is directly proportional to the methanogenic activity . A very useful feature of the system is its potential to operate for long periods (days) at constant pH and substrate (acetate) concentration . The theoretical background and principle of operation are described as well as some of the practical problems encountered with the use of the instrument . Estimation of kinetic constants for an anaerobic culture according to the Michaelis-Menten model is presented . Examples of inhibition by inorganics (NaCl) and chlorinated solvents (chloroform) are also given .

J Bacteriol, 2002 Jan, 184(1), 207 - 15
Degradation of aromatics and chloroaromatics by Pseudomonas sp . strain B13: purification and characterization of 3-oxoadipate:succinyl-coenzyme A (CoA) transferase and 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase; Kaschabek SR et al.; The degradation of 3-oxoadipate in Pseudomonas sp . strain B13 was investigated and was shown to proceed through 3-oxoadipyl-coenzyme A (CoA) to give acetyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA . 3-Oxoadipate:succinyl-CoA transferase of strain B13 was purified by heat treatment and chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose, Mono-Q, and Superose 6 gels . Estimation of the native molecular mass gave a value of 115,000 +/- 5,000 Da with a Superose 12 column . Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions resulted in two distinct bands of equal intensities . The subunit A and B values were 32,900 and 27,000 Da . Therefore it can be assumed that the enzyme is a heterotetramer of the type A2B2 with a molecular mass of 120,000 Da . The N-terminal amino acid sequences of both subunits are as follows: subunit A, AELLTLREAVERFVNDGTVALEGFTHLIPT; subunit B, SAYSTNEMMTVAAARRLKNGAVVFV . The pH optimum was 8.4 . Km values were 0.4 and 0.2 mM for 3-oxoadipate and succinyl-CoA, respectively . Reversibility of the reaction with succinate was shown . The transferase of strain B13 failed to convert 2-chloro- and 2-methyl-3-oxoadipate . Some activity was observed with 4-methyl-3-oxoadipate . Even 2-oxoadipate and 3-oxoglutarate were shown to function as poor substrates of the transferase . 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase was purified by chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose, blue 3GA, and reactive brown-agarose . Estimation of the native molecular mass gave 162,000 +/- 5,000 Da with a Superose 6 column . The molecular mass of the subunit of the denatured protein, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was 42 kDa . On the basis of these results, 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase should be a tetramer of the type A4 . The N-terminal amino acid sequence of 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase was determined to be SREVYI-DAVRTPIGRFG . The pH optimum was 7.8 . Km values were 0.15 and 0.01 mM for 3-oxoadipyl-CoA and CoA, respectively . Sequence analysis of the thiolase terminus revealed high percentages of identity (70 to 85%) with thiolases of different functions . The N termini of the transferase subunits showed about 30 to 35% identical amino acids with the glutaconate-CoA transferase of an anaerobic bacterium but only an identity of 25% with the respective transferases of aromatic compound-degrading organisms was found.

J Bacteriol, 2002 Jan, 184(1), 18 - 28
Trypsin mediates growth phase-dependent transcriptional tegulation of genes involved in biosynthesis of ruminococcin A, a lantibiotic produced by a Ruminococcus gnavus strain from a human intestinal microbiota; Gomez A et al.; Ruminococcin A (RumA) is a trypsin-dependent lantibiotic produced by Ruminococcus gnavus E1, a gram-positive strict anaerobic strain isolated from a human intestinal microbiota . A 12.8-kb region from R . gnavus E1 chromosome, containing the biosynthetic gene cluster of RumA, has been cloned and sequenced . It consisted of 13 open reading frames, organized in three operons with predicted functions in lantibiotic biosynthesis, signal transduction regulation, and immunity . One unusual feature of the locus is the presence of three almost identical structural genes, all of them encoding the RumA precursor . In order to determine the role of trypsin in RumA production, the transcription of the rum genes has been investigated under inducing and noninducing conditions . Trypsin activity is needed for the growth phase-dependent transcriptional activation of RumA operons . Our results suggest that bacteriocin production by R . gnavus E1 is controlled through a complex signaling mechanism involving the proteolytic processing of a putative extracellular inducer-peptide by trypsin, a specific environmental cue of the digestive ecosystem.

J Pharm Pharm Sci, 2001 Sep-Dec, 4(3), 235 - 43
Guar gum as a carrier for colon specific delivery; influence of metronidazole and tinidazole on in vitro release of albendazole from guar gum matrix tablets; Krishnaiah YS et al.; PURPOSE: The present investigation is to study the influence of metronidazole and tinidazole on the usefulness of guar gum, a colon-specific drug carrier based on the metabolic activity of colonic bacteria, using matrix tablets of albendazole (containing 20% of guar gum) as a model formulation . METHODS: The matrix tablets of albendazole were subjected to in vitro drug release studies in simulated colonic fluids (4%w/v of rat caecal contents) obtained after oral treatment of rats for 7 days either with varying doses of metronidazole/ tinidazole and 1 mL of 2%w/v of guar gum or with 1 mL of 2%w/v of guar gum alone (control study) after completing the dissolution study in 0.1 M HCl (2 h) and pH 7.4 Sorensen's phosphate buffer (3 h) . RESULTS: The guar gum matrix tablets of albendazole were found degraded by colonic bacteria of rat caecal contents and released about 44% of albendazole in simulated colonic fluids (control study) at the end of 24 h indicating the susceptibility of the guar gum formulations to the rat caecal contents . However, the release of albendazole decreased when the drug release studies were carried out in caecal contents of rats treated for 7 days with either metronidazole (10-50 mg/ kg once daily) or tinidazole (10-30 mg/ kg once daily), and the release of albendazole from the matrix tablets was found to be dose dependent . The release of the drug from guar gum formulations was found to increase with a decrease in the dose of metronidazole/tinidazole administered . The antimicrobial activity of metronidazole/ tinidazole against the anaerobic bacteria of the rat"s GI flora might have been inhibited to a varying degree depending on the dose of metronidazole/tinidazole administered . CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that concomitant administration of either metronidazole or tinidazole with guar gum based colon-specific drug delivery systems may interfere with the targeting of drugs to colon.

Pharmacoeconomics, 2001, 19(11), 1135 - 75
Piperacillin/tazobactam: a pharmacoeconomic review of its use in moderate to severe bacterial infections; Young M et al.; Piperacillin/tazobactam is a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against most Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria . Piperacillin/tazobactam is effective and well-tolerated in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and febrile neutropenia . In comparative clinical trials against various other antibacterial regimens, piperacillin/tazobactam has shown higher clinical success rates, particularly in the treatment of patients with intra-abdominal infections and febrile neutropenia . Cost analyses of piperacillin/tazobactam have been variable, in part, because of differences in specific costs included . Three US cost analyses found that piperacillin/tazobactam had lower total medical costs than clindamycin plus gentamicin or imipenem/cilastatin in intra-abdominal infections, and ticarcillin/ clavulanic acid in community-acquired pneumonia . Piperacillin/tazobactam plus amikacin had lower total costs than ceftazidime plus amikacin in another cost analysis of patients with febrile neutropenic episodes modelled in nine European countries . However, piperacillin/tazobactam plus tobramycin was more costly than ceftazidime plus tobramycin in hospital-acquired pneumonia in a US cost analysis . In cost-effectiveness analyses, all studies of intra-abdominal infections, pneumonia and febrile neutropenic episodes consistently reported lower costs per unit of effectiveness versus comparators . Piperacillin/tazobactam was dominant (greater efficacy and lower costs) versus imipenem/cilastatin in intra-abdominal infections and ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin or meropenem in pneumonia . Piperacillin/tazobactam plus amikacin was dominant over ceftazidime plus amikacin in the treatment of febrile neutropenic episodes . In a cost-effectiveness analysis of skin and soft tissue infection, piperacillin/tazobactam had lower costs per successfully treated patient than ceftriaxone or cefotaxime, but a slightly higher cost-effectiveness ratio than amoxicillin/clavulanic acid . All cost-effectiveness analyses were based on decision-analytical models . CONCLUSIONS: Piperacillin/tazobactam is likely to reduce overall treatment costs of moderate to severe bacterial infections by increasing initial treatment success, thereby reducing the length of hospital stay and the use of additional antibacterials . Piperacillin/tazobactam has shown clinical and economic advantages over standard antibacterial regimens in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections, LRTIs, febrile episodes in patients with neutropenia, and skin and soft tissue infections, although more complete published data are needed to confirm these results . Present data regarding clinical efficacy, bacterial resistance and costs would support the use of piperacillin/tazobactam as an empirical first-line option in moderate to severe bacterial infections.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 44(8), 49 - 56
The potential of anaerobic bacteria to degrade chlorinated compounds; van Eekert MH et al.; Chlorinated ethenes and chlorinated aromatics are often found as pollutants in sediments, groundwater, and wastewater . These compounds were long considered to be recalcitrant under anaerobic conditions . In the past years however, dechlorination of these compounds has been found to occur under anaerobic conditions at contaminated sites and in wastewater treatment systems . This dechlorination is mainly attributed to halo-respiring bacteria, which are able to couple this dechlorination to energy conservation via electron transport coupled phosphorylation . The dechlorinating activities of the halo-respiring bacteria seem to be confined to the dechlorination of chloroethenes and chlorinated aromatic compounds . In addition, methanogenic and acetogenic bacteria are also able to reduce the chlorinated ethenes via a-specific cometabolic pathways . Although these latter reactions may not be important in the remediation of contaminated sites, they may be of substantial influence in the start-up of remediation processes and in the application of granular sludge from UASB reactors . Specific halo-respiring bacteria may be used to increase the dechlorination activities via bioaugmentation in the case that the appropriate microorganisms are not present at the contaminated site or in the sludge.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 44(8), 41 - 8
Temperature characteristics of methanogenic archaea and acetogenic bacteria isolated from cold environments; Nozhevnikova AN et al.; In most terrestrial ecosystems of boreal and northern climate zones degradation of organic matter with methane production occurs at low temperature . Two psychrophilic methanogenic archaea and four acetogenic bacteria were described until now . Recently, we isolated 12 new strains of methanogenic archaea and 3 strains of acetogenic bacteria from different natural and man-made cold environments including tundra permafrost wet land, sediments of deep lakes, silt of sludge disposal pond, pig and cattle manure digested at 6 degrees C, and an anaerobic EGSB-reactor operated at 9 degrees C . The temperature characteristics of microorganisms isolated from cold environments are discussed . All isolates are able to grow below 10 degrees C, most of them grow at such low temperature as 1 degrees C . The upper temperature limit for most growing at low temperature acetogens is 30 degrees C, and the temperature optima is 20 degrees C and below . Most isolated methanogens have temperature optima around 25 degrees C, and upper temperature limits at 30-40 degrees C . Whether microorganisms able to grow at low temperature are classified as mesophiles, psychrophiles, or psychrotrophs (psychrotolerants) is an issue of this article . We propose to modify the basic temperature definition of anaerobic microorganisms growing at low temperature.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2001 Dec, 67(12), 5544 - 50
Sorption of Fe (hydr)oxides to the surface of Shewanella putrefaciens: cell-bound fine-grained minerals are not always formed de novo; Glasauer S et al.; Shewanella putrefaciens, a gram-negative, facultative anaerobe, is active in the cycling of iron through its interaction with Fe (hydr)oxides in natural environments . Fine-grained Fe precipitates that are attached to the outer membranes of many gram-negative bacteria have most often been attributed to precipitation and growth of the mineral at the cell surface . Our study of the sorption of nonbiogenic Fe (hydr)oxides revealed, however, that large quantities of nanometer-scale ferrihydrite (hydrous ferric oxide), goethite (alpha-FeOOH), and hematite (alpha-Fe(2)O(3)) adhered to the cell surface . Attempts to separate suspensions of cells and minerals with an 80% glycerin cushion proved that the sorbed minerals were tightly attached to the bacteria . The interaction between minerals and cells resulted in the formation of mineral-cell aggregates, which increased biomass density and provided better sedimentation of mineral Fe compared to suspensions of minerals alone . Transmission electron microscopy observations of cells prepared by whole-mount, conventional embedding, and freeze-substitution methods confirmed the close association between cells and minerals and suggested that in some instances, the mineral crystals had even penetrated the outer membrane and peptidoglycan layers . Given the abundance of these mineral types in natural environments, the data suggest that not all naturally occurring cell surface-associated minerals are necessarily formed de novo on the cell wall.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2001 Dec, 67(12), 5520 - 5
Benzoate fermentation by the anaerobic bacterium Syntrophus aciditrophicus in the absence of hydrogen-using microorganisms; Elshahed MS et al.; The anaerobic bacterium Syntrophus aciditrophicus metabolized benzoate in pure culture in the absence of hydrogen-utilizing partners or terminal electron acceptors . The pure culture of S . aciditrophicus produced approximately 0.5 mol of cyclohexane carboxylate and 1.5 mol of acetate per mol of benzoate, while a coculture of S . aciditrophicus with the hydrogen-using methanogen Methanospirillum hungatei produced 3 mol of acetate and 0.75 mol of methane per mol of benzoate . The growth yield of the S . aciditrophicus pure culture was 6.9 g (dry weight) per mol of benzoate metabolized, whereas the growth yield of the S . aciditrophicus-M . hungatei coculture was 11.8 g (dry weight) per mol of benzoate . Cyclohexane carboxylate was metabolized by S . aciditrophicus only in a coculture with a hydrogen user and was not metabolized by S . aciditrophicus pure cultures . Cyclohex-1-ene carboxylate was incompletely degraded by S . aciditrophicus pure cultures until a free energy change (DeltaG') of -9.2 kJ/mol was reached (-4.7 kJ/mol for the hydrogen-producing reaction) . Cyclohex-1-ene carboxylate, pimelate, and glutarate transiently accumulated at micromolar levels during growth of an S . aciditrophicus pure culture with benzoate . High hydrogen (10.1 kPa) and acetate (60 mM) levels inhibited benzoate metabolism by S . aciditrophicus pure cultures . These results suggest that benzoate fermentation by S . aciditrophicus in the absence of hydrogen users proceeds via a dismutation reaction in which the reducing equivalents produced during oxidation of one benzoate molecule to acetate and carbon dioxide are used to reduce another benzoate molecule to cyclohexane carboxylate, which is not metabolized further . Benzoate fermentation to acetate, CO(2), and cyclohexane carboxylate is thermodynamically favorable and can proceed at free energy values more positive than -20 kJ/mol, the postulated minimum free energy value for substrate metabolism.

Eur J Biochem, 2001 Nov, 268(22), 5816 - 23
The NADH oxidase from Pyrococcus furiosus . Implications for the protection of anaerobic hyperthermophiles against oxidative stress; Ward DE et al.; A wealth of H(2)O-producing NADH oxidase (NOX) homologues have been discovered in the genomes of the hyperthermophilic Archaea, including two homologues in the genome of Pyrococcus furiosus which have been designated as NOX1 and NOX2 . In order to investigate the function of NOX1, the structural gene encoding NOX1 was cloned from the genome of P . furiosus and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the resulting recombinant enzyme (rNOX1) was purified to homogeneity . The enzyme is a thermostable flavoprotein that can be reconstituted only with FAD . rNOX1 catalyzes the oxidation of NADH, producing both H(2)O(2) and H(2)O as reduction products of O(2) (O(2) + 1-2NADH + 1-2H(+) --> 1-2NAD(+) + H(2)O(2) or 2H(2)O) . To our knowledge, this is the first NADH oxidase found to produce both H(2)O(2) and H(2)O . The enzyme exhibits a low K(m) for NADH (< 4 microm), and shows little or no reaction with NADPH . Transcriptional analyses demonstrated that NOX1 is constitutively expressed regardless of the carbon source and a single promoter was identified 25 bp upstream of the nox1 gene by primer extension . Although P . furiosus is a strict anaerobe, it may tolerate oxygen to some extent and we anticipate NOX1 to be involved in the response to oxygen at high temperatures.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2001 Nov, 185(5), 1156 - 61
The relationship between amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 and funisitis; Park JS et al.; OBJECTIVE: The fetal inflammatory response syndrome is a multisystem disorder associated with impending preterm delivery and adverse neonatal outcome . Inflammation of the umbilical cord--funisitis--is the histologic counterpart of fetal inflammatory response syndrome and has been associated with an increased risk for the development of cerebral palsy . Neutrophils found in the amniotic cavity are of fetal origin . Therefore, neutrophil secretory products may be an index of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome . To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between levels of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 and funisitis . STUDY DESIGN: The relationship between the presence of funisitis and concentrations of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 was examined in 255 consecutive patients who delivered preterm singleton neonates (gestational age, <36 weeks) within 72 hours of amniocentesis . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and for mycoplasmas . Funisitis was diagnosed in the presence of neutrophil infiltration into the umbilical vessel walls or Wharton jelly . Matrix metalloproteinase-8 was measured by use of a specific immunoassay . Nonparametric statistics were used for analysis . RESULTS: Funisitis was present in 23% (59/255) of cases . Patients with funisitis had a significantly higher median concentration of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 than those without funisitis (median, 433.7 ng/mL {range, 1.5-3836.8 ng/mL} vs median, 1.9 ng/mL {range, <0.3-4202.7 ng/mL}; P <.001) . The diagnostic indices of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (cutoff, 23 ng/mL) in the identification of funisitis were: sensitivity of 90% (53/59), specificity of 78% (153/196), positive predictive value of 55% (53/96), and negative predictive value of 96% (153/159) . CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between increased levels of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 and funisitis . We propose that determination of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations may assist the assessment of the fetal inflammatory status, thereby eliminating the need for fetal blood sampling.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2001 Nov, 185(5), 1149 - 55
Amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 in preterm labor with intact membranes; Maymon E et al.; OBJECTIVE: Intra-amniotic inflammation is a major determinant of maternal and neonatal outcome in patients with preterm labor . Matrix metalloproteinase-8 is a sensitive marker of inflammation in body fluids . This study was conducted to examine the value of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 determinations in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes . STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid was obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from 371 patients with preterm labor . Fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and Mycoplasmas . Amniotic fluid analysis included Gram stain examination, white blood cell count, and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) determination . Nonparametric statistics were used for analysis . RESULTS: The rate of preterm delivery was 54% (200/371) and that of intra-amniotic infection was 9.2% (34/371) . The median amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration was more than 50-fold higher in patients with intra-amniotic infection than in patients with no intra-amniotic infection (median, 605.6 ng/mL; range, 0.65-15,000 ng/mL vs median, 10.6 ng/mL; range, <0.06-16,600 ng/mL, respectively; P <.0001) . The matrix metalloproteinase-8 amniotic fluid concentrations were significantly higher in patients who delivered preterm than in patients who delivered at term (median, 19.5 ng/mL; range, <0.06-16,600 ng/mL vs median, 2.1 ng/mL; range, <0.06-500 ng/mL, respectively; P <.001) . After exclusion of patients with intra-amniotic infection, patients who delivered preterm had a significantly higher median amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 than patients who delivered at term (P <.05) . An amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 level of >30 ng/mL was an independent predictor for the occurrence of neonatal morbidity (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.9-5.8; P <.01) . CONCLUSION: Increased amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations identify patients at risk for intra-amniotic infection, impending preterm delivery, and adverse neonatal outcome.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2001 Nov, 185(5), 1143 - 8
Value of amniotic fluid neutrophil collagenase concentrations in preterm premature rupture of membranes; Maymon E et al.; OBJECTIVE: Neutrophils in amniotic fluid are thought to be of fetal origin, and therefore the detection of these cells and/or their products in amniotic fluid may reflect the fetal inflammatory status . We propose that amniotic fluid neutrophil collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-8) is a useful parameter to predict adverse neonatal outcome, impending preterm labor/delivery, and intrauterine infection in the setting of preterm premature rupture of the membranes . STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid was obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from 101 patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (gestational age, 24-36 weeks) . Fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and Mycoplasmas . Amniotic fluid analysis included Gram stain, white blood cell count, and determination of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) . RESULTS: Neonates with adverse neonatal outcome were born to mothers with a significantly higher median amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration than those without adverse neonatal outcome (median, 54.4 ng/mL; range, 0.82-14,500 ng/mL vs median, 28.9 ng/mL; range, 0.78-2451.8 ng/mL; P <.05, respectively) . The higher the amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations, the shorter the interval to delivery (Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for gestational age at delivery; hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5; P <.03) . Amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration was more sensitive than an amniotic fluid white blood cell count and interleukin-6 in the detection of microbiologically proven intra-amniotic infection . CONCLUSION: Increased concentrations of neutrophil collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-8) in amniotic fluid are associated with intra-amniotic infection, impending preterm delivery, and adverse neonatal outcome in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes . Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase-8 in amniotic fluid is a stronger predictor for the duration of pregnancy and intra-amniotic inflammation than interleukin-6 and an amniotic fluid white blood cell count.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2001 Nov, 185(5), 1130 - 6
Clinical significance of intra-amniotic inflammation in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes; Yoon BH et al.; OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical significance of intraamniotic inflammation in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes . STUDY DESIGN: Amniocentesis was performed in 206 patients with preterm labor and intact membranes . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas . The diagnosis of intraamniotic inflammation was made in patients with a negative amniotic fluid culture on the basis of amniotic fluid concentrations of interleukin-6 (>2.6 ng/mL, derived from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) . Statistical analysis was conducted with contingency tables and survival techniques . RESULTS: Intra-amniotic inflammation (negative amniotic fluid culture but elevated amniotic fluid interleukin-6) was more common than intra-amniotic infection (positive amniotic fluid culture regardless of amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration; 21% {44/206 women} vs 10% {21/206 women}; P <.001) . The amniocentesisto-delivery interval was significantly shorter in patients with intra-amniotic inflammation than in patients with a negative culture and without an inflammation (median, 20 hours {range, 0.1-2328 hours} vs median, 701 hours {range, 0.1-3252 hours}, respectively; P <.0001) . Spontaneous preterm delivery of <37 weeks was more frequent in patients with intra-amniotic inflammation than in those with a negative culture and without inflammation (98% vs 35%; P <.001) . Patients with intra-amniotic inflammation had a significantly higher rate of adverse outcome than patients with a negative culture and without intra-amniotic inflammation . Adverse outcomes included clinical and histologic chorioamnionitis, funisitis, early preterm birth, and significant neonatal morbidity . There were no significant differences in the rate of adverse outcomes between patients with a negative culture but with intra-amniotic inflammation and patients with intra-amniotic infection (positive culture regardless of amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration) . CONCLUSION: Intra-amniotic inflammation/infection complicates one third of the patients with preterm labor (32%; 65/206 women), and its presence is a risk factor for adverse outcome . The outcome of patients with microbiologically proven intra-amniotic infection is similar to that of patients with intra-amniotic inflammation and a negative amniotic fluid culture . We propose that the treatment of patients in preterm labor be based on the operational diagnosis of intra-amniotic inflammation rather than the diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection because the latter diagnosis cannot be undertaken rapidly.

J Bacteriol, 2001 Dec, 183(24), 7007 - 16
H(2)O(2)-forming NADH oxidase with diaphorase (cytochrome) activity from Archaeoglobus fulgidus; Reed DW et al.; An enzyme exhibiting NADH oxidase (diaphorase) activity was isolated from the hyperthermophilic sulfate-reducing anaerobe Archaeoglobus fulgidus . N-terminal sequence of the protein indicates that it is coded for by open reading frame AF0395 in the A . fulgidus genome . The gene AF0395 was cloned and its product was purified from Escherichia coli . Like the native NADH oxidase (NoxA2), the recombinant NoxA2 (rNoxA2) has an apparent molecular mass of 47 kDa, requires flavin adenine dinucleotide for activity, has NADH-specific activity, and is thermostable . Hydrogen peroxide is the product of bivalent oxygen reduction by rNoxA2 with NADH . The rNoxA2 is an oxidase with diaphorase activity in the presence of electron acceptors such as tetrazolium and cytochrome c . During purification NoxA2 remains associated with the enzyme responsible for D-lactate oxidation, the D-lactate dehydrogenase (Dld), and the genes encoding NoxA2 and Dld are in the same transcription unit . Together these results suggest that NADH oxidase may be involved in electron transfer reactions resulting in sulfate respiration.

Vopr Onkol, 2001, 47(4), 475 - 7
{Factors for individualization of treating postoperative wound complications in stomach cancer patients}; Levanov AV; Since gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms constitute at present the largest fraction of microflora in surgical patients, the chances of their translocation from the intestines due to impaired anticolonization resistance of the body are becoming stronger . Evidence is presented to demonstrate the dynamics of postoperative infestation of wounds in patients operated on for stomach cancer.

J Dent Res, 2001 Oct, 80(10), 1930 - 4
The localization of periodontal-disease-associated bacteria in human periodontal pockets; Noiri Y et al.; Some Gram-negative anaerobes are associated with the incidence and progression of periodontal disease . In periodontal pockets, however, the localization of those bacteria is unknown . We investigated the localization of 5 bacterial species in human periodontal pockets . Fifteen teeth with a part of periodontal pockets from 10 adult periodontitis patients were obtained, and the localization of bacteria was examined immunohistochemically . Positive reactions with anti-Prevotella nigrescens antibody were located at the epithelium-associated plaque area in the middle pocket zones . In the middle and deep pocket zones, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Treponema denticola were especially localized in the unattached plaque area, but Eikenella corrodens was observed in the tooth-attached plaque area . Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, detected in 2 of 15 samples examined, was found in the unattached plaque area, in the middle pocket zone . The present findings indicated that the 5 bacterial species examined localized at distinct regions in human periodontal pockets.

Niger J Med, 2001 Jan-Mar, 10(1), 6 - 10
Necrotising fasciitis of the head and neck: a review of the literature; Ugboko VI et al.; Necrotising fasciitis is a severe life threatening bacterial infection of the fascial planes which is relatively rare in the head and neck region . The hallmark of the disease is selective necrosis of the fascia overlying skin and adjacent vasculature . Primary odontogenic infection due to aerobes and obligate anaerobes and trauma amongst other factors, are frequently responsible for this condition . Similarly, affected individuals often have an underlying systemic disease, the most common of which is diabetes mellitus . Treatment usually involves appropriate antimicrobial therapy, control of systemic disease, thorough surgical debridement, gamma globulin administration and hyperbaric oxygen where facilities exist . Significant morbidity and mortality attends necrotising fasciitis when treatment is delayed due to toxaemia, dehydration and severe biochemical disturbances . Prompt diagnosis, adequate resuscitation, thorough and frequent surgical debridement remains the cornerstone to a successful outcome.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 44(5), 295 - 301
Kinetics of decolorization and mineralization of the azo dye reactive black 5 by hydrogen peroxide and UV light; El-Dein AM et al.; C.I . Reactive Black 5 is one of the most used reactive dyes for textile finishing . It is a diazo dye, which can be decolorized by facultative anaerobic bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria and aerobic white rot fungi . Mineralization by microorganisms has proven difficult . Advanced oxidation processes are promising alternatives for the decolorization and mineralization of Reactive Black 5, alone and in combination with aerobic biodegradation . The kinetics of the decolorization of Reactive Black 5 using a combination of hydrogen peroxide and UV radiation have been investigated . The rate of decolorization is first order with respect to dye concentration . It is enhanced with increasing hydrogen peroxide concentrations up to an optimum value . In our model we have correlated an empirical reaction rate expression which considers the contribution of both hydrogen peroxide and UV flux radiation based on the reaction kinetics . This empirical correlation agrees well with the experimental data for these conditions . Complete decolorization corresponded with 40-50% mineralization of the dye . Further mineralization can be achieved with extended radiation time.

Ther Umsch, 2001 Oct, 58(10), 599 - 603
{Diagnosis and therapy of abscess forming pneumonia}; Allewelt M et al.; Aspiration of oro-pharyngeal secretions and gastric content is the most frequent cause of formation of primary lung abscess . A compromised mental status (e.g . alcoholism, sedatives, stroke) and esophageal dysfunction (e.g . herniation, vomiting) are important risk factors . Aspiration pneumonia presents as a subacute disease and is usually not distinguishable from other causes of pneumonia, until typical radiological signs of cavitation and putrid sputum appear 8 to 14 days after the initial event of aspiration . Anaerobic bacteria play a pivotal role in an almost exclusively mixed spectrum of causative organisms . Aerobic pathogens are also frequently isolated, but whether they are an active part of infection or merely represent colonizers remains unclear in many instances . Differential diagnosis includes bronchial neoplasms, either as necrotizing carcinoma or as the cause of poststenotic cavernous pneumonia, other infectious diseases like tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or endocarditis with septic metastases, and lung artery embolism or vasculitis (M . Wegener) . Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is extremely helpful in determining cause and etiology of the disease and should be carried out in all patients presenting with cavernous lung lesions . Bacteriological sampling should be performed using protected specimen brushing (PSB) technique . Broncho-alveolar lavage might serve as a less expensive but also less sensitive alternative measure . Since anaerobic bacteria resemble ubiquitous commensals of the oral cavity, sputum is of no use in anaerobic culture . Principal therapeutic strategy is antibiotic therapy for an extended period, usually four weeks to four months, unless radiologic changes and as well laboratory as clinical indicators of infection are completely resolved . Clindamycin, optionally supplemented with a second or third generation cephalosporin and Ampicillin/Sulbactam proved equally effective in treating aspiration pneumonia and primary lung abscess . The role of Moxifloxacin and other new flouroquinolones with their favorable pharmacodynamics is currently evaluated . Provided that antibiotics are prescribed for a sufficient period of time and patients' compliance is ensured, surgical procedures are limited to a negligible number of complications, e.g . recurrent severe hemoptysis, empyema or broncho-pleural fistula.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2001, 36(9), 1661 - 70
An improved method of hydrogen production as electron donor for anaerobic bioremediation; Zhang XH et al.; This paper investigated an improved electrochemical approach that is able to provide hydrogen for anaerobic bioremediation of chloroethenes in subsurface . Hydrogen is the ultimate electron donor of biodechlorination processes . In experiments, iron wire was used as electrodes, an anaerobic bacteria enrichment collected from a site contaminated with chloroethenes as test microbes, perchloroethylene (PCE) as model chloroethene . Experiments were conducted by switching the polarities of electrodes periodically and supplying electrical power in an intermittent way . The results showed that an electrochemical bioreactor that was switched 1 time/10 min and operated only 8 h a day was able to produce more hydrogen than that operated 24h a day at 0.4V without polarity switching, stimulating microbial growth more effectively . The intermittent operation also resulted in periodical release of overpotentials that built up on electrode surfaces, thus prevented charged ions and particles from attaching on electrodes . The hydrogen produced was available for microbial growth and PCE dechlorination . It is suggested that the improved electrochemical process developed in this study has significant implications to anaerobic bioremediation.

Klin Khir, 2001 Jul, (7), 5 - 10
{Enteral insufficiency syndrome in acute ileus and ways for its correction}; Saienko VF et al.; Based on experimental investigations in 26 mongrel dogs, we established that due to acute ileus (AI) proximal and distal regions of small intestine are colonized by pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, which causes occurrence of enteral insufficiency syndrome (EIS) . Absorption of microorganisms and their toxins through intestinal wall leads to bacteriemia, endotoxemia and morphological insufficiency of parenchymatous organs . The results of treatment of 486 patients with AI of different etiology are studied . Based on clinical and diagnostical changes 4 stages of EIS are separated . The rate of post-operative complications depends on severity of EIS . When treating the patients with AI the severity of EIS should be taken into consideration . Specific pre-operative preparation, the relevant technology of surgical intervention and post-operative treatment should be used differently at every stage of the disease.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2001 Nov, 15(11), 1827 - 36
Effects of anti-tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-10 and antibiotic therapy in the indometacin-induced bowel inflammation rat model; Colpaert S et al.; BACKGROUND: The administration of indometacin to rats increases intestinal permeability and induces inflammatory pathology of the small bowel . This represents a potential model for Crohn's disease . AIMS: To analyse the pathogenic role of T cells, tumour necrosis factor and bacterial flora in indometacin-induced changes in small bowel permeability and inflammation . METHODS: Rats were given indometacin, 13 mg/kg, on day 1 and day 2 . The effects of antibiotic (metronidazole, aztreonam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid), anti- tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-10 therapy were evaluated . The parameters used were weight change, serum haemoglobin, chromium-51 ethylenediaminetetra-acetate permeability and macro-and microscopic score on day 5 . Results in conventionally harboured rats were compared with those in T-cell-free rats . Additional in vitro experiments were carried out to test the effect of metronidazole on tumour necrosis factor production . RESULTS: Indometacin administration resulted in small bowel ulcers and inflammation, independently of T cells . Metronidazole was more potent than amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and anti-tumour necrosis factor in improving the indometacin-induced small bowel inflammation . Only part of the efficacy was through improvement of increased intestinal permeability . Aztreonam and interleukin-10 had no effect . Metronidazole also suppressed in vitro lipopolysaccharide-induced tumour necrosis factor production, suggesting a therapeutic effect of this drug through the inhibition of tumour necrosis factor . CONCLUSIONS: These data implicate anaerobic bacteria and tumour necrosis factor production, but not T cells, as essential elements of the pathogenesis of indometacin-induced small bowel inflammation . Tumour necrosis factor is also involved in the change in intestinal permeability . Metronidazole was the most efficacious drug in this model, probably because it suppressed anaerobic bacteria and directly inhibited tumour necrosis factor production.

Curr Microbiol, 2001 Oct, 43(4), 293 - 8
Identification of a broad-specificity xylosidase/arabinosidase important for xylooligosaccharide fermentation by the ruminal anaerobe Selenomonas ruminantium GA192; Whitehead TR et al.; Strains of Selenomonas ruminantium vary considerably in their capacity to ferment xylooligosaccharides . This ability ranges from strain GA192, which completely utilized xylose through xylotetraose and was able to ferment considerable quantities of larger oligosaccharides, to strain HD4, which used only the simple sugars present in the hydrolysate . The ability of S . ruminantium GA192 to utilize xylooligosaccharides was correlated with the presence of xylosidase and arabinosidase activities . The production of these activities appears to be regulated in response to carbon source used for growth . Both arabinosidase and xylosidase were induced by growth on xylose or xylooligosaccharides, but no activity was detected in glucose-or arabinose-grown cultures . A genetic locus from S . ruminantium GA192 was cloned into Escherichia coli JM83 that produced both xylosidase and arabinosidase activities . Analyses of crude extracts from the E . coli clone and S . ruminantium GA192 by using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and methylumbelliferyl substrates indicated that a single protein was responsible for both activities . The enzyme expressed in E . coli was capable of degrading xylooligosaccharides derived from xylan . DNA sequencing of the locus demonstrated the presence of an open reading frame that encodes for a protein of 61,174 molecular weight.

Ross Gastroenterol Zh, 2001, (2), 92 - 102
{Disturbance of liver functions and dysbiosis in patients with lipid distress syndrome and its treatment with lactulose preparation "Duphalac" (lactulose)}; Petukhov VA et al.; Disturbances of liver's functions and its connection with microflora pathology of large intestine were examined in the patients with lipid dysstress-syndrome . Severe dysbiosis (reduce of light fatty acids level and increase of anaerobe index) was revealed . Efficiency of "Dufalak" (lactulose disaccharide) on liver's functions was estimated.

Diabet Med, 2001 Oct, 18(10), 822 - 7
Deep tissue biopsy vs . superficial swab culture monitoring in the microbiological assessment of limb-threatening diabetic foot infection; Pellizzer G et al.; AIMS : The results of ulcer swabbing vs . deep tissue biopsy have been compared prospectively in 29 diabetic patients with limb-threatening foot infection, to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of each method, and to evaluate whether any of the two could be more suitable for the microbiological follow-up of severe lesions . METHODS : Microbiological samples were collected by using both methods at fixed intervals after therapy commencement (i.e . at day 0, 7, 14, and 30) . Statistical comparison was performed between the results of each sampling procedure after the end of follow-up . RESULTS : At enrolment, the mean number of isolates per patient was 2.34 by swabbing and 2.07 by tissue biopsy sampling; the rate of isolation for anaerobes with the two methods was 35% and 25%, respectively; no statistical differences could be observed between the two procedures in terms of either species or frequency of isolation . Anaerobic species were never detected after the first 2 weeks of appropriate treatment, and those ulcers which were still active at day 30 yielded almost exclusively Gram-positive bacteria . At the end of follow-up, deep tissue cultures appeared to exhibit a higher diagnostic sensitivity with respect to swabs . CONCLUSIONS : Swabbing and deep tissue cultures appear to be equally reliable for the initial monitoring of antimicrobial treatment in severe diabetic foot infection . However, our experience seems to suggest that deep tissue might be more sensitive than swabbing for monitoring those isolates that have been selected for antibiotic resistance, i.e . those from ulcers that are still active after 30 days of treatment.

J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol, 2001 Jul, 27(1), 11 - 7
Anaerobic biodegradation of pentachlorophenol in mixtures containing cadmium by two physiologically distinct microbial enrichment cultures; Kamashwaran SR et al.; Anaerobic biodegradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP), in mixtures containing cadmium (Cd), by sulfidogenic (SRB) and methanogenic (MET) enrichment cultures, was studied . Removal of 91-93% of PCP occurred in both SRB- and MET-enriched cultures, in the absence of Cd, within 82 days . The presence of soluble Cd initially decreased the rate of PCP removal by the enrichment cultures, but PCP removal rates improved as the Cd precipitated . GC-MS, 14C-PCP, and 13C-PCP studies confirmed mineralization of PCP by both enrichment cultures, as well as the incorporation of PCP carbon into specific phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) of the cell membranes of PCP-degrading anaerobes . This is the first report on anaerobic biodegradation of PCP by SRB- and MET-enriched cultures in the presence, with simultaneous precipitation, of the toxic heavy metal Cd, and of the incorporation of PCP carbons into specific PLFAs of the anaerobic bacterial cells.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2001 Sep, 51(Pt 5), 1881 - 9
Helicobacter ganmani sp . nov., a urease-negative anaerobe isolated from the intestines of laboratory mice; Robertson BR et al.; Spiral bacteria were isolated from the intestines of laboratory mice during a study examining the presence of Helicobacter species and other spiral organisms naturally infecting mice maintained at four different animal facilities in Sydney, Australia . One group of 17 isolates, cultured from mice from three of the four facilities, were found to be helicobacters but did not fall within any of the 18 currently recognized species . These isolates were unusual in that they only grew anaerobically at 37 degrees C and were incapable of growth under microaerobic conditions . Like Helicobacter rodentium, isolates possessed single, bipolar, unsheathed flagella and were urease-negative . They were positive for oxidase and reduced nitrate to nitrite but did not hydrolyse hippurate or indoxyl acetate, grew on charcoal agar and were resistant to cephalothin . 16S rDNA sequences from four strains were determined and found to be identical to one another . H . rodentium was the most closely related species in terms of 16S rDNA sequence similarity (98.2%) . Numerical analysis of whole-cell proteins by SDS-PAGE for nine isolates was carried out with a comparison to all known Helicobacter species, including newly determined profiles from three H . rodentium strains . The new isolates were clearly differentiated from H . rodentium and other Helicobacter spp . On the basis of this data, including genetic, biochemical and protein analysis, it is proposed that these isolates belong to Helicobacter ganmani sp . nov . (type strain CMRI H02T = CCUG 43526T = CIP 106846T).

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 2001, (9), 47 - 9
{Optimization of surgical treatment of suppurative-necrotic lesions of the foot in patients with diabetes mellitus}; Karimov ShI et al.; The analysis of treatment results in 559 patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by foot pyonecrotic lesions was carried out . Surgical treatment was performed in 448 patients considering route of infection spread (basic group), conventional methods of treatment were used in 111 patients (control group) . It is shown that one of the causes of unsuccessful treatment results was the infection spread from foot to leg by toes tendons and synovial sheaths . The study of microbial contamination in wound exudate, distal and proximal sites of tendons revealed a significant difference in proximal-distal gradient for aerobes (2.8 +/- 0.19 lg/g) and anaerobes (1.71 +/- 0.16 lg/g, p < 0.01) . Methods of surgical treatment of foot pyonecrotic lesions allowing for route of infection in patients with diabetes mellitus were developed . Use of these methods allowed to decrease more than 2 times the number of femoral amputations, and to increase the rate of surgical interventions with salvage of limb's support function from 71.2 to 87.7%.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 44(4), 117 - 22
Biodegradation of 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane under methanogenic conditions; Culubret EN et al.; Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons are widely used as solvents and as intermediates in chemical synthesis, so they can be found in industrial wastewaters and released to the environment where they became a serious health risk due to their toxic properties and high chemical stability . Most of these compounds are xenobiotic and recalcitrant to biodegradation . In this article we report the effect of different co-substrates in the 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane (1,1,1,2-TeCA) degradation by anaerobic granular sludge, and its degradative pathway . Our results show that this compound is easy and rapidly biodegradable under methanogenic conditions, even in the absence of external electron donors . 1,1,1,2-TeCA is equimolecularly degraded to 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE) by reductive dichloroelimination . 1,1-DCE is only completely biodegraded in the presence of lactic acid as co-substrate . Although 1,1,1,2-TeCA can be apparently removed by autoclaved granular sludge, the compound is not transformed but retained inside the granules . The primary biodegradation of 1,1,1,2-TeCE to 1,1-DCE is a biotic process mediated by anaerobic bacteria.

J Clin Microbiol, 2001 Oct, 39(10), 3555 - 62
Identification of clinical isolates of actinomyces species by amplified 16S ribosomal DNA restriction analysis; Hall V et al.; Amplified 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) restriction analysis (ARDRA), using enzymes HaeIII and HpaII, was applied to 176 fresh and 299 stored clinical isolates of putative Actinomyces spp . referred to the Anaerobe Reference Unit of the Public Health Laboratory Service for confirmation of identity . Results were compared with ARDRA results obtained previously for reference strains and with conventional phenotypic reactions . Identities of some strains were confirmed by analysis of partial 16S rDNA sequences . Of the 475 isolates, 331 (70%) were clearly assigned to recognized Actinomyces species, including 94 isolates assigned to six recently described species . A further 52 isolates in 12 ARDRA profiles were designated as apparently resembling recognized species, and 44 isolates, in 18 novel profiles, were confirmed as members of genera other than Actinomyces . The identities of 48 isolates in nine profiles remain uncertain, and they may represent novel species of Actinomyces . For the majority of species, phenotypic results, published reactions for the species, and ARDRA profiles concurred . However, of 113 stored isolates originally identified as A . meyeri or resembling A . meyeri by phenotypic tests, only 21 were confirmed as A . meyeri by ARDRA; 63 were reassigned as A . turicensis, 7 as other recognized species, and 22 as unidentified actinomycetes . Analyses of incidence and clinical associations of Actinomyces spp . add to the currently sparse knowledge of some recently described species.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Jul-Aug, (4), 93 - 5
{Etiology and systemic immunity disturbances in patients with tuboperitoneal infertility}; Teplova SN et al.; The etiological structure of the inflammatory diseases of genitals at different levels of the reproductive tract of women with tuboperitoneal sterility was studied . The study revealed the prevalence of cocci in the cervical canal, anaerobes in the endometrium and chlamydiae in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal fluid, the ovarian capsule, fimbriated ends), as well as the presence of mixed infection in 27% of the patients under study . The specific features of immunity in women with tuboperitoneal sterility were established, which determined the main trends of the subsequent pathogenetically oriented immunocorrection.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Jul-Aug, (4), 78 - 84
{Anaerobic microflora of the female reproductive tract}; Valyshev AV et al.; The microflora of the female reproductive tract is very diverse and plays an important role in both normal and pathological states . The data on the mechanisms of colonization resistance which involve the vaginal microbios (the production of H2O2, organic acids, bacteriocin-like substances, competition for adhesion sites) are presented . The data on the role of individual antagonistically active substances of anaerobic bacteria in suppressing gonococci, fungi, microorganisms, associated with bacterial vaginosis, etc . are given . The leading role of anaerobic microorganisms in the appearance of microecological disturbances, including bacterial vaginosis, is emphasized . The role of the pathogenic properties of anaerobic bacteria for the development of different pathological processes, such as premature birth, postnatal and postoperative purulent septic diseases, inflammation of pelvic organs, cancer of the neck of uterus, is discussed.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2001 Jul, 22(4), 100 - 3
{Biodegradation of reactive turquoise blue}; Fu L et al.; In this study, the anaerobic degradation and the aerobic degradation of a kind of reactive dye--Reactive Turquoise Blue(RTB) were compared . The results proved that anaerobic sludge could only decompose RTB in the presence of glucose while aerobic sludge decomposed RTB with or without the presence of glucose (RTB of 20 mg/L was reduced by 37.4% through 24 hours' aerobic treatment with RTB as sole carbon source) . The enhancement of glucose concentration was beneficial for both anaerobic and aerobic degradation of RTB: the anaerobic and the aerobic removal efficiencies were respectively 81.5% and 73.6% with RTB of 20 mg/L and glucose of 1200 mg/L . In the influent RTB concentration also had influence on the activity of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms . When glucose concentration was 800 mg/L or 1200 mg/L and RTB concentration was 20 mg/L to 100 mg/L, anaerobic removal efficiency of RTB was higher than aerobic removal efficiency by 4.9%-27.2%, which meant that anaerobic bacteria is more powerful than aerobic bacteria in terms of RTB removal.

Mikrobiologiia, 2001 Jul-Aug, 70(4), 459 - 64
{Difference in ionic specificity of ATP synthesis in extremely alkalophilic sulfate-reducing and acetogenic bacteria}; Pitriuk AV et al.; Ionic specificity of oxidative phosphorylation was studied in Natroniella acetigena and Desulfonatronum lacustre, which are new alkaliphilic anaerobes that were isolated from soda lakes and have a pH growth optimum of 9.5-9.7 . The ability of their cells to synthesize ATP in response to the imposition of artificial delta pH+ and delta pNa+ gradients was studied . As distinct from other marine and freshwater sulfate reducers and extremely alkaliphilic anaerobes, D . lacustre uses a Na(+)-translocating ATPase for ATP synthesis . The alkaliphilic acetogen N . acetigena, which develops at a much higher Na+ concentration in the medium, generated primary delta pH+ for ATP synthesis . Thus, the high Na+ concentrations and alkaline pH values typical of soda lakes do not predetermine the type of bioenergetics of their inhabitants.

J Endod, 2001 Sep, 27(9), 563 - 6
Molecular detection of black-pigmented bacteria in infections of endodontic origin; Siqueira JF Jr et al.; A 16S rDNA-directed polymerase chain reaction method was used to assess the occurrence of four black-pigmented anaerobic rods in root canal infections . Samples were obtained from 54 infected teeth . Ten cases were diagnosed as acute periradicular abscesses . DNA was extracted from the samples and analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction-based identification assay . The method allowed detection of black-pigmented bacteria anaerobes in 59.3% of the examined teeth . Twelve cases yielded more than one black-pigmented species . In general Porphyromonas endodontalis was found in 42.6%, Porphyromonas gingivalis in 27.8%, Prevotella nigrescens in 7.4%, and Prevotella intermedia in 5.6% of the cases . P . endodontalis was found in 70% of the pus samples, P . gingivalis in 40%, and P . intermedia in 10% . P . gingivalis was always found associated with P . endodontalis in abscessed teeth . P . nigrescens was not found in any pus sample . The high prevalence of P . endodontalis and P . gingivalis suggests that they can play an important role in the pathogenesis of periradicular diseases.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2001 Aug, 56(3-4), 524 - 30
Degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) by co-immobilization of anaerobic and aerobic microbial communities in an upflow reactor under air-limited conditions; Gardin H et al.; The co-immobilization and the culture of anaerobic and aerobic communities was tested for the mineralization of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) . At first, the anaerobic microorganisms (aggregated into granules) were cultivated in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, in a continuous mode, with glucose, propionate, acetate (COD loading rate = 0.5-2.0 g COD/l per day, ratio 1:1:1) and 2,4,6-TCP (2,4,6-TCP loading rate = 25-278 micromol/l per day) as substrates . 2,4,6-TCP was degraded into 2,4-DCP and 4-CP, but it was not mineralized because of the low degradation rates of 4-CP . Furthermore, the highest loading rates of 2,4,6-TCP (>126 micromol/l per day) caused the inhibition of the strains degrading the propionate . The granules were therefore tested in association with the aerobic community . They were immobilized in kappa-carrageenan/gelatin {2% (w/w) of each polymer} gel beads and cultivated in a reactor, on their own (to test the influence of the gel), and then with the aerobic community, under anaerobic and air-limited conditions, respectively . The results showed that (1) the gel did not influence the activity of the granules, (2) the anaerobic and aerobic communities could be easily co-immobilized in gel beads and cultivated in a reactor, (3) the mineralization of 2,4,6-TCP (2,4,6-TCP loading rate = 10-506 micromol/l per day), its intermediates of degradation and the other substrates {glucose + acetate + propionate (ratio 1:1:1) = COD loading rate = 500 mg COD/l per day} could be obtained under air-limited conditions if the culture parameters were strictly controlled {airflow = 36-48 vvd (volume of air/volume of liquid in the reactor per day), pH value at around 7.5} . Finally, the gel did not retain its structure during the whole culture (263 days) in the air-limited reactor, but the anaerobic and aerobic communities retained their activities and worked together for the mineralization.

Appl Radiat Isot, 2001 Oct, 55(4), 427 - 31
Effect of pH and temperature on the sorption of Np and Pa to mixed anaerobic bacteria; Sasaki T et al.; While considering the geological disposal of radioactive wastes, the behaviour of the radionuclide Np and its daughter element Pa was investigated in the presence of a mixture of anaerobic bacteria (MAB) . Originally, MAB were used for the treatment of pulp and paper wastewater . The interaction between radionuclides and bacteria was evaluated by determining distribution coefficients (Kd) over 10 days and at 5 degrees C and 35 degrees C . Kd for Np at 35 degrees C after 5 days had a low value around 10(-2) After 10 days, however, Kd was > 100-fold higher . On the other hand, Kd at 5 degrees C was low (10(-2)) throughout, without any significant increase over time . The interaction between Pa and MAB was found to be stronger than that for Np, with Kd for Pa about 100 times higher . The Kd was controlled by some basic factors, the activity of MAB, the complexing capacity of MAB, and the chemical conditions in the solution such as pH and Eh.

Biol Sci Space, 1994 Jun, 8(2), 103 - 13
{Development of detection system of extraterrestrial microorganisms}; Kawasaki Y; A noble method for the exploration of terrestrial and extraterrestrial soil microorganisms, especially targeted for Mars, has been developed . The method is based on the microscopic observation using fluorescence techniques . Microorganisms could be fluorescent by adsorption, enzymatic cleavage of extrinsic fluorescence chromophores such as acridine orange, ANS and SFDA, and also by intrinsic chromophores . The characteristic points of our fluorescence method are shown below . 1 . The present method detected all the culturable cells tested (about 200 species from bacteria to eukaryofic cells) . 2 . Microorganisms in soil were much brighter than background fluorescence of soil . Cell shapes and location were clearly observed . 3 . An esterase substatum SFDA, discriminated vital (reproductive) cells from dead . On the other hand, a membrane probe, ANS, detected both vital and dead cells . 3 . Pre-treatment of cells with bleaching reagents improved the detection efficiency . Especially, this pretreatment was effecfive in Fungi with black chromophores . 4 . Some anaerobic microorganisms such as methanogenic bacteria with intrinsic chromophores can be detected without stain . 5 . Application of the technique to terrestrial soil revealed that more than 100 times larger cell density was obtained compared to the value obtained by the classic plate counting technique . Vertical distribution of microorganism of soil microorganisms from Mt . Shigayama showed that, at surface, cell density was small and maximum was shown below 15 cm from surface . 6 . Some pre-biotic cell (cell like aggregates composed of amino acids) could be detected by SFDA or ANS . It can be concluded that the fluorescence technique is one of the most promising method for the exploration of extraterrestrial microorganisms.

Deep Sea Res A, 1989, 36(1), 121 - 38
Sulfate reduction and oxic respiration in marine sediments: implications for organic carbon preservation in euxinic environments; Canfield DE; Compilations have been made of sulfate reduction rates and oxic respiration rates over the entire range of marine sedimentation rates, and sedimentary environments, including several euxinic sites . These data show, consistent with the findings of Jorgensen (1982, Nature, 296, 643-645), that sulfate reduction and oxic respiration oxidize equal amounts of organic carbon in nearshore sediments . As sedimentation rates decrease, oxic respiration, becomes progressively more important, and in deep-sea sediments 100-1000 times more organic carbon is oxidized by oxic respiration than by sulfate reduction . By contrast, nearly as much organic carbon is oxidized by sulfate reduction in euxinic sediments as is oxidized by the sum of sulfate reduction and oxic respiration in normal marine sediments of similar deposition rate . This observation appears at odds with the enhanced preservation of organic carbon observed in euxinic sediments . However, only small reductions in (depth-integrated) organic carbon decomposition rates (compared to normal marine) are required to give both high organic carbon concentrations and enhanced carbon preservation in euxinic sediments . Lower rates of organic carbon decomposition (if only by subtle amounts) are explained by the diminished ability of anaerobic bacteria to oxidize the full suite of sedimentary organic compounds.

Geomicrobiol J, 1985, 4(1), 21 - 51
Microbial biomass and productivity in seagrass beds; Moriarty DJ et al.; Different methods for measuring the rates of processes mediated by bacteria in sediments and the rates of bacterial cell production have been compared . In addition, net production of the seagrass Zostera capricorni and bacterial production have been compared and some interrelationships with the nitrogen cycle discussed . Seagrass productivity was estimated by measuring the plastochrone interval using a leaf stapling technique . The average productivity over four seasons was 1.28 +/- 0.28 g C m-2 day-1 (mean +/- standard deviation, n = 4) . Bacterial productivity was measured five times throughout a year using the rate of tritiated thymidine incorporated into DNA . Average values were 33 +/- 12 mg C m-2 day-1 for sediment and 23 +/- 4 for water column (n = 5) . Spatial variability between samples was greater than seasonal variation for both seagrass productivity and bacterial productivity . On one occasion, bacterial productivity was measured using the rate of 32P incorporated into phospholipid . The values were comparable to those obtained with tritiated thymidine . The rate of sulfate reduction was 10 mmol SO4(-2) m-2 day-1 . The rate of methanogenesis was low, being 5.6 mg CH4 produced m-2 day-1 . A comparison of C flux measured using rates of sulfate reduction and DNA synthesis indicated that anaerobic processes were predominant in these sediments . An analysis of microbial biomass and community structure, using techniques of phospholipid analysis, showed that bacteria were predominant members of the microbial biomass and that of these, strictly anaerobic bacteria were the main components . Ammonia concentration in interstitial water varied from 23 to 71 micromoles . Estimates of the amount of ammonia required by seagrass showed that the ammonia would turn over about once per day . Rapid recycling of nitrogen by bacteria and bacterial grazers is probably important.

Eur J Biochem, 2001 Sep, 268(17), 4748 - 57
Identification of a novel heterodimeric outer membrane protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting; Veith PD et al.; Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis . A 2D electrophoretic analysis of the outer membrane of P . gingivalis W50 revealed a dominant train of spots at 40-41 kDa . The proteins in the train of spots were digested in-gel with trypsin and identified by MS . The train of spots represented two proteins, designated Omp40 and Omp41 that share 47% sequence identity . Preparation of outer membranes in the absence of protease inhibitors resulted in partial cleavage of Omp40 and Omp41 to produce an N-terminal and C-terminal fragment of both proteins . The N-terminal fragments displayed the same isoelectric heterogeneity as the intact proteins . Almost 100% of the amino-acid sequence of these N-terminal fragments in each 2D gel spot was verified suggesting lack of post-translational modification . Re-subjecting a single N-terminal domain spot to 2D electrophoresis resulted in the complete series of spots being reproduced, suggesting that the heterogeneity was related to conformational equilibria . Under reduced conditions and without heating, Omp40 and Omp41 migrated as 34- to 35-kDa proteins in SDS/PAGE whereas under nonreduced conditions the proteins migrated as 70-kDa proteins, suggesting the formation of dimers through intersubunit disulfide bonds . The proteins each contain two cysteine residues in the conserved sequence RPVSCPECPE . Tryptic peptides generated from the nonreduced forms of the proteins confirmed the presence of heterodimers stabilized through intersubunit disulfide bond formation . With the exception of heterodimer formation, the two proteins share several similarities with OmpA-like porins of other Gram-negative bacteria including consensus sequence, abundance, modification by heat, overall length and positioning of domains.

Anim Reprod Sci, 2001 Sep 15, 67(3-4), 135 - 52
Some aspects of immunology of the bovine uterus related to treatments for endometritis; Dhaliwal GS et al.; Endometritis in breeding cattle occurs during the postpartum period, and is associated primarily with contamination of the reproductive tract involving Arcanobacter pyogenes (formerly Actinomyces pyogenes) together with Gram-negative anaerobes . Polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells (PMNs) contribute partly to the defense mechanisms against micro-organisms contaminating the vagina and uterine lumen, whose phagocytic activity depends on bacterial opsonisation by humoral antibodies; significant numbers of lymphocytes are also present . Whilst leukocyte numbers in the uterine lumen are relatively high during metoestrus and dioestrus compared to other phases of the oestrous cycle, their functional activity is unaffected . Humoral antibody concentrations in the reproductive tract are stimulated following exposure to local antigen, and the response is site dependent; of the several different classes of immunoglobulins, IgG predominates in the uterus and IgA the vagina . Only a portion of the total IgG1 found on the uterine lumen is synthesised locally in the endometrium, the remainder and all of the IgG2 is derived from the local uterine blood supply . Generally, concentrations of immunosuppressant proteins present in the uterine lumen increase under progesterone dominance, and these inhibit lymphocyte proliferation, making the uterus more susceptible to infection . The relationship between uterine susceptibility to micro-organism contamination and the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle is still unclear . Intrauterine infusion of immunomodulators such as E . coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or oyster glycogen, in healthy cows and those with endometritis, stimulates leukocytes to migrate into the uterine lumen . At a dosage rate of 100 microg, lipopolysaccharides are not absorbed by the healthy endometrium and do not alter the oestrous cycle length . It is unknown, whether a similar dose can be absorbed through an inflamed endometrium in naturally occurring cases of endometritis to cause systemic illness . Currently, prostaglandin F2alpha is recommended for treating endometritis in both cycling and non-cycling cows, but its mode of action in non-cycling cows is not fully understood . The efficacy of endometritis treatment using an intrauterine infusion of an immunomodulator in cases occurring naturally has not been determined on a large scale.

J Periodontol, 2001 Aug, 72(8), 1059 - 63
Short-chain carboxylic acids produced by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria can accelerate or delay polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptosis in vitro; Stehle HW et al.; BACKGROUND: Short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCA) are metabolic byproducts of anaerobic subgingival bacteria associated with human periodontal disease . We examined the effect of 4 SCCA (butyric, propionic, succinic, and lactic acids) on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) apoptosis over the range of concentrations (1 to 30 mM) found in the diseased periodontium . METHODS: PMN suspensions were incubated at 37 degrees C with medium alone (control) or one of the 4 SCCA at concentrations of 1, 5, or 30 mM . Aliquots were withdrawn hourly to assess apoptosis and viability by fluorescence microscopy . RESULTS: Relative to untreated controls, PMN incubated for at least 5 hours with 1 mM butyric or propionic acids exhibited significant delays in apoptosis (P<0.05), while those incubated with succinic or lactic acids exhibited no significant differences from controls (P>0.05) . At a concentration of 5 mM, propionic, succinic, and lactic acids had little effect on apoptosis (P>0.05), but butyric acid significantly accelerated apoptotic changes (P<0.05) . At 30 mM, all SCCA except lactic acid significantly accelerated apoptosis (P<0.05) . Incubation with SCCA did not adversely affect cell viability (typically >98%) . Lysates from PMN incubated 6 hours with 30 mM butyric or propionic acids contained significantly more caspase-3 activity than lysates from untreated control PMN (P<0.05) . Moreover, pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of caspase-3 blocked acceleration of PMN apoptosis by butyric or propionic acids (P<0.05) . CONCLUSION: Low concentrations of butyric or propionic acids delay PMN apoptosis and extend their functional lifespan, while higher concentrations accelerate apoptosis through a mechanism that appears to involve caspase-3.

Compend Contin Educ Dent Suppl, 1996, 17(19), S22 - 32
Effects of baking-soda-containing dentifrices on oral malodor; Brunette DM; Oral malodor, also known as bad breath or halitosis, is an extremely common problem . Bad breath can arise from many sources in the body, but most frequently is produced in the mouth by the action of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria on sulfur-containing proteinaceous substrates in the saliva, such as debris and plaque . The primary molecules responsible for oral malodor are volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), such as hydrogen sulfide and methylmercaptan . Increased malodor production is related to greater bacterial numbers, reducing conditions, availability of protein substrates, and a pH above neutral . Bad breath is more common in the elderly, as well as those with unhygienic mouths, gingivitis, and periodontitis, but bad breath can also be found in some individuals who are periodontally healthy . The major source of oral malodor is the tongue . Approaches to controlling malodor have included masking, oral hygiene, antibacterial agents, conversion of VSC to nonodorous forms, oxidizing agents, and traditional approaches, including the use of baking soda . Results of controlled double-blind crossover studies, using both organoleptic (sensory) and gas chromatographic analysis of mouth air VSC, indicate that two dentifrices with high baking-soda concentrations, Arm & Hammer Dental Care and Arm & Hammer PeroxiCare, reduce oral malodor.

Nat Struct Biol, 2001 Sep, 8(9), 775 - 8
Characterization of a cellulosome dockerin domain from the anaerobic fungus Piromyces equi; Raghothama S et al.; The recycling of photosynthetically fixed carbon in plant cell walls is a key microbial process . In anaerobes, the degradation is carried out by a high molecular weight multifunctional complex termed the cellulosome . This consists of a number of independent enzyme components, each of which contains a conserved dockerin domain, which functions to bind the enzyme to a cohesin domain within the protein scaffoldin protein . Here we describe the first three-dimensional structure of a fungal dockerin, the N-terminal dockerin of Cel45A from the anaerobic fungus Piromyces equi . The structure contains a novel fold of 42 residues . The ligand binding site consists of residues Trp 35, Tyr 8 and Asp 23, which are conserved in all fungal dockerins . The binding site is on the opposite side of the N- and C-termini of the molecule, implying that tandem dockerin domains, seen in the majority of anaerobic fungal plant cell wall degrading enzymes, could present multiple simultaneous binding sites and, therefore, permit tailoring of binding to catalytic demands.

J West Soc Periodontol Periodontal Abstr, 2001, 49(2), 37 - 40
The use of metronidazole in the treatment of periodontal diseases; Ghayoumi N; Diagnostic microbiology and the use of antibiotics should be considered as available tools in periodontal therapy . It appears that the dental health profession has yet to develop a consensus as to whether or not the use of antibiotics alone can wholly or partially replace traditional treatments such as debridement and surgery . The combined use of periodontal microbiology and antibiotic therapy, however, perhaps qualifies as an extension of traditional courses of treatment following a proper clinical diagnosis . Metronidazole offers the periodontist (therapist) the benefits of a high degree of efficacy and relatively few and/or mild adverse side effects . Also it is an antibiotic to which susceptible anaerobes have yet to develop clinical resistance . Therefore, it qualifies as the preferred drug against anaerobic infections under this combined treatment program.

Biol Chem, 2001 May, 382(5), 817 - 24
Arg-gingipain is responsible for the degradation of cell adhesion molecules of human gingival fibroblasts and their death induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis; Baba A et al.; Arg-gingipain (Rgp) and Lys-gingipain (Kgp) are two major cysteine proteinases produced by the oral anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, which has been shown to act as major pathogen in the development and progression of periodontal diseases . These enzymes are also important for this organism to proliferate and survive in periodontal pockets . Here we show that Rgp is responsible for the disruption of fibronectin-integrin interactions in human gingival fibroblasts by P . gingivalis . Fibroblasts incubated with the culture supernatant of P . gingivalis showed a time-dependent loss of the adhesion activity . Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting revealed that fibronectin and integrin subunits alpha2, beta1 and beta3 in the fibroblast culture largely disappeared with the treatment . The detached cells became committed to death by disruption of contacts between adhesion molecules . In contrast, the culture supernatants from the Rgp-deficient mutants produced no significant changes in either cell adhesion or viability . Prior treatment of the culture supernatant of P . gingivalis with an Rgp inhibitor, but not a Kgp inhibitor, strongly inhibited the detachment of fibroblasts followed by cell death . These results suggest that Rgp disrupts the integrin-fibronectin interactions in fibroblasts, thereby contributing to the damage of periodontal tissues in periodontal diseases caused by P . gingivalis.

J Oral Sci, 2001 Jun, 43(2), 117 - 22
The value of routine antibiotic prophylaxis in mandibular third molar surgery: acute-phase protein levels as indicators of infection; Bulut E et al.; Postoperative infections in the oral region are usually caused by anaerobic bacteria . While some authors claim that routine antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary after third molar surgery, others do not recommend this practice . The major subject of controversy is what constitutes postoperative infection . Previous studies that have examined the benefit of routine antibiotic prophylaxis have used several clinical symptoms (pain, swelling, and trismus) as indicators of infection; however, these clinical symptoms may be vague and unreliable, and cannot be evaluated scientifically . As a result, their use has only sparked more debate in this area of research . The present study assessed the value of routine antibiotic prophylaxis in impacted mandibular third molar surgery using acute-phase protein levels as potential indicators of early and late postoperative infection . Specifically, serum levels of C-reactive protein and alpha-1 antitrypsin were measured preoperatively and postoperatively in patients who received either prophylactic antibiotics or placebos . The results revealed no statistically significant difference between treated and control patients in terms of incidence of postoperative infection.

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2001 Jul, 65(7), 1474 - 81
Isolation and characterization of Desulfitobacterium sp . strain Y51 capable of efficient dehalogenation of tetrachloroethene and polychloroethanes; Suyama A et al.; A strict anaerobic bacterium, strain Y51, was isolated from soil contaminated with tetrachloroethene (PCE) . Strain Y51 is capable of very efficiently dehalogenating PCE via trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE) at concentrations as high as 960 microM and as low as 0.6 microM . Strain Y51 was gram-negative, motile with some lateral flagella, and curved rod-shaped . On the basis of the 16S rDNA sequence, the organism was identified to be a species within the genus Desulfitobacterium . Strain Y51 also had dehalogenation activities toward polychloroethanes such as hexa-, penta-, and tetrachloroethanes, from which dichloroethenes were produced as the final products . The cell extracts mediated the dehalogenation of PCE with reduced methyl viologen as an electron carrier at the specific rate of 5.0 nmol min(-1) mg cell protein(-1) (pH 7.2, 37 degrees C) . Dehalogenation was highly susceptible to air oxidation, and to potential alternative electron acceptors such as nitrite or sulfite.

Paediatr Drugs, 2001, 3(7), 481 - 94
Drug treatment of nonviral sexually transmitted diseases: specific issues in adolescents; Lehmann CE et al.; Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common and happen more frequently in younger patients . These adolescents have unique risks of acquiring infection because of developing psychosocial skills, biological factors and sociocultural barriers . The clinician must be adept at identifying and modifying these risks through knowledge of the adolescent stages of development and biology, with good history and examination skills that make teens comfortable during their evaluation, and with patient education and treatment . Whereas patient compliance and partner notification can be problematic in any population, teenagers may be more prone not to follow through on these issues . While compliance may notbe as important as previously thought, there is a dearth of studies of patient compliance and STD treatment in adolescents . Guidelines for the treatment of STDs were published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1998 and the Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases in 1999 . Most of the data obtained to formulate these guidelines were not necessarily adolescent specific and few studies, if any, have included adolescent patients since the CDC document was published . In the treatment of chlamydia, it appears that even with relative noncompliance with the 7-day regimen of doxycycline, it is as effective as single dose azithromycin . This has implications in cost control, important for centres with limited funds for treatment . While fluoroquinolone-resistant gonorrhoea has been reported for some time, the number of reports in the US is increasing, with a recent report of decreased susceptibility to azithromycin . As many studies have shown efficacy with single agent therapy with azithromycin in combined gonococcal and chlamydial infection, one must view these new resistance data with concern and give serious consideration to dual agent treatment, especially in the locale of the practitioner . Also, fluoroquinolone use is not advised in patients under the age of 18 years at present because of concerns of adverse effects on cartilage . While not much has changed from the 1998 guidelines for most of the other STDs, there seems to be a general trend in treating pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) on an outpatient basis if good follow-up is assured, even in the adolescent population . There is still debate on whether anaerobe coverage is needed in PID without tubo-ovarian abscess or other complications . One other update includes the use of daily metronidazole gel instead of twice daily usage in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis . With the lack of studies specific to adolescents, it is left up to the clinician to tailor the treatment of adolescents on the basis of current guidelines and patient preferences.

Science, 2001 Aug 17, 293(5533), 1281 - 5
Crystal structure of a carbon monoxide dehydrogenase reveals a {Ni-4Fe-5S} cluster; Dobbek H et al.; The homodimeric nickel-containing CO dehydrogenase from the anaerobic bacterium Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans catalyzes the oxidation of CO to CO2 . A crystal structure of the reduced enzyme has been solved at 1.6 angstrom resolution . This structure represents the prototype for Ni-containing CO dehydrogenases from anaerobic bacteria and archaea . It contains five metal clusters of which clusters B, B', and a subunit-bridging, surface-exposed cluster D are cubane-type {4Fe-4S} clusters . The active-site clusters C and C' are novel, asymmetric {Ni-4Fe-5S} clusters . Their integral Ni ion, which is the likely site of CO oxidation, is coordinated by four sulfur ligands with square planar geometry.

Acta Med Croatica, 2001, 55(2), 87 - 90
The prevalence of anaerobic infection in pilonidal sinus of the sacrococcygeal region and its effect on the complications; Miocinovic M et al.; Bacteriologic characteristics of pilonidal disease of the sacrococcygeal region were assessed in two groups of patients: patients with disease recurrence (group A), and patients who first ever presented for surgical treatment (group B) . The frequency of anaerobic colonization was studied . Bacterial colonization is frequently present in patients with pilonidal disease of the sacrococcygeal region . Samples of the skin over the sacrococcygeal sinus showed the presence of bacterial colonization in 78% and 70% of group A and group B patients, respectively . Analysis of sinus fluid samples revealed the presence of bacteria in 88% of group A patients and 78% of group B patients . Anaerobic colonization in the content of pilonidal sinus was found in approximately 2/3 (64%) group A patients and about a half (52%) group B patients . Considerable bacterial colonization was also recorded in skin swab samples, i.e . in 48% of group A patients and 38% of group B patients . Anaerobic bacteria were rarely detected in pure cultures (in group A 6% skin swab, and 20% of sinus fluid samples, and in group B, 4% of skin swab and 12% of sinus fluid samples) . Anaerobes were mostly detected in combined cultures (42% of skin swab and 44% of sinus fluid samples from group A, 32% of skin swab and 40% of sinus fluid samples from group B) . Surgical methods to considerably reduce the conditions for anaerobic bacterial colonization of the wound should be the methods of choice in the management of pilonidal disease of the sacrococcygeal region.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2001 Sep, 45(9), 2455 - 9
In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of TAK-083, an agent for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection; Kanamaru T et al.; The antibacterial activity of TAK-083 was tested against 54 clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori and was compared with those of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole . The growth-inhibitory activity of TAK-083 was more potent than that of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, or metronidazole (the MICs at which 90% of the strains are inhibited were 0.031, 0.125, 64, and 8 microg/ml, respectively) . The antibacterial activity of TAK-083 was highly selective against H . pylori; there was a >30-fold difference between the concentration of TAK-083 required to inhibit the growth of H . pylori and that required to inhibit the growth of common aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Exposure of H . pylori strains to TAK-083 at the MIC or at a greater concentration resulted in an extensive loss of viability . When four H . pylori strains were successively subcultured in the medium containing subinhibitory concentrations of TAK-083, no significant change in the MICs of this compound was observed . TAK-083 strongly inhibited the formation of tryptophanyl-tRNA in H . pylori while exhibiting little effect on the same system in eukaryotes . TAK-083 was efficacious in the treatment of gastric infection caused by H . pylori in Mongolian gerbils . The results presented here indicate that TAK-083 is a promising candidate for the treatment of H . pylori infection.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2001, 46(1), 57 - 9
Reliable identification of Prevotella and Butyrivibrio spp . from rumen by fatty acid methyl ester profiles; Logar RM et al.; Data for bacterial identification were provided by culturing anaerobic bacteria under standardized conditions followed by extraction and methylation of cellular long-chain fatty acids and gas chromatographic analysis . The databases of fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) profiles for two predominant ruminal genera, Prevotella and Butyrivibrio, were created . Major long-chain cellular fatty acids found in the 23 analyzed Prevotella strains were 15:0 (anteiso), 15:0, 15:0 (iso) and 16:0 . The strains of Prevotella could be well identified on species level by the characteristic ratios among major fatty acids and by acids unique fatty for each species . The 45 Butyrivibrio strains were grouped into 4 major and 2 minor groups according to FAMEs profiles . The major fatty acids for the bulk of the Butyrivibrio strains were 14:0, 15:1, 16:0 and 16:0 (iso) . This groups corresponded to those based on 16S rDNA sequences.

Infect Immun, 2001 Sep, 69(9), 5447 - 55
Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the leukotoxin gene from Fusobacterium necrophorum; Narayanan SK et al.; Fusobacterium necrophorum is a gram-negative, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium that is a primary or secondary etiological agent in a variety of necrotic purulent infections in animals and humans . Included are diseases of cattle such as liver abscesses and foot rot, which have economically important consequences for the cattle industry . The major virulence factor of this bacterium is leukotoxin, a secreted protein of high molecular weight active against leukocytes from ruminants . The screening of a genomic DNA library with polyclonal antisera raised against native affinity-purified leukotoxin and further extension of the sequence using inverse PCR led to the cloning of the entire leukotoxin gene . The leukotoxin gene open reading frame (ORF; lktA) consists of 9,726 bp and encodes a protein of 3,241 amino acids with an overall molecular weight of 335,956 . The leukotoxin does not have sequence similarity with any other bacterial leukotoxin . Five truncated overlapping polypeptides covering the whole lktA ORF were used to immunize rabbits . In Western blot assays, polyclonal antisera raised against all five truncated polypeptides recognized affinity-purified leukotoxin from F . necrophorum culture supernatant in a Western blot assay . Antisera directed against two of the five polypeptides had neutralizing activity against the toxin . The entire leukotoxin ORF was expressed in Escherichia coli . Flow-cytometric analysis showed that the recombinant leukotoxin was active against bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes and was inhibited with antiserum raised against the F . necrophorum leukotoxin . Southern blot hybridization analysis revealed different patterns of lktA hybridizing bands between isolates of the two subspecies of F . necrophorum.

Klin Med (Mosk), 2001, 79(4), 37 - 9
{Composition and role of short chain fatty acids in feces and peripheral blood serum of patients with cholelithiasis}; Minushkin ON et al.; Gas-liquid chromatography was used to estimate content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in 25 patients with cholelithiasis, 32 patients with irritable colon syndrome and constipation (ICS) and 35 healthy subjects . It was found that SCFA absolute and relative concentration in the feces of cholelithiasis patients is abnormal indicating disturbance of microbiocenosis as shown by changes in functional activity of some anaerobes of the intestinal microflora participating in enterohepatic circulation of bile acids . Alterations of SCFA content in the serum of cholelithiasis patients may be related to steroids disbolism . The study of SCFA in the feces and peripheral blood serum from cholelithiasis patients is of diagnostic value.

Hinyokika Kiyo, 2001 Jun, 47(6), 441 - 3
{Rupture of intrascrotal epidermoid cyst complicated by bacterial infection: a case report}; Nezasa S et al.; A 63-year-old male visited our hospital with the chief complaint of right scrotal pain . The right scrotum was swollen to the size of a small egg, and its skin was reddish . The mass was palpable independent of the right testis and epididymis . We diagnosed an intrascrotal abscess . The pus spontaneously issued from the scrotal mass . Sequentially, the abscess was extracted under spinal anesthesia . Membrane-like tissue assumed as the abscess wall was removed . Histologically, the abscess wall was composed of epidermal structure with epidermal keratinization, and horny material was found inside the wall . In the scrotal epidermis overlying the abscess, infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells were observed . Anaerobic bacteria were detected in the pus of the abscess . Consequently, we diagnosed this case as rupture of an intrascrotal epidermoid cyst complicated by bacterial infection.

J Clin Periodontol, 2001 Sep, 28(9), 813 - 9
Association between oral malodor and adult periodontitis: a review; Morita M et al.; BACKGROUND: Bad breath has a significant impact on our daily social life to those who suffer from it . The majority of bad breath originates within the oral cavity . However, it is also possible that it can come from other sources such as gastric-intestine imbalance . The term "oral malodor" is used to describe a foul or offensive odor emanating from the oral cavity, in which proteolysis, metabolic products of the desquamating cell, and bacterial putrefaction are involved . Recent evidence has demonstrated a link between oral malodor and adult periodontitis . The process of developing bad breath is similar to that noted in the progression of gingivitis/periodontitis . Oral malodor is mainly attributed to volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide . The primary causative microbes are gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria that are similar to the bacteria causing periodontitis . These bacteria produce the VSC by metabolizing different cells/tissues (i.e., epithelial cells, leukocytes, etc.) located in saliva, dental plaque, and gingival crevicular fluid . Tongue surface is composed of blood components, nutrients, large amounts of desquamated epithelial cells and bacteria, suggesting that it has the proteolytic and putrefactive capacity to produce VSC . One of the challenges in dealing with oral malodor is to identify a reliable test for detecting bad breath . AIMS: The purposes of this review article were: (1) to correlate the relationship between oral malodor and adult periodontitis; (2) to analyze current malodor tests and discuss available treatment regimens.

J Endod, 2001 Feb, 27(2), 76 - 81
Viable bacteria in root dentinal tubules of teeth with apical periodontitis; Peters LB et al.; Two sets of teeth with apical periodontitis were collected at different geographic locations to study the identity of bacteria left in the root dentinal tubules . Root dentin of 20 of these teeth was cultured from three locations between pulp and cementum (A, B, and C) . In addition dentin from eight teeth was examined histologically . Using the culturing technique bacteria were found in 77% of the dentin samples from set 1 (Amsterdam) and in 87.5% of the dentin samples from set 2 (Glasgow) . At greater distance, in layer C, from the pulp bacteria were found in 62% (13 of 21) of the dentin samples . Twenty-three percent (3 of 13) of set 1 and 25% (2 of 8) of set 2 contained >50,000 colony-forming units/mg of dentin in layer C . In layers closer to the pulp higher numbers of anaerobic bacteria and gram-positive rods were found, as well as a larger number of bacterial species . Histological sections showed bacterial penetration in dentinal tubules in 5 of 8 teeth . In the other three teeth where the colony-forming units/mg recovered was <10,000, no histological signs of tubule penetration was seen . It seems clear that, in more than half of the infected roots, bacteria are present in the deep dentin close to the cementum and that anaerobic culturing of dentin is more sensitive than histology to detect these bacteria.

Arch Microbiol, 2001 Jun, 175(6), 389 - 94
A Desulfitobacterium strain isolated from human feces that does not dechlorinate chloroethenes or chlorophenols; van de Pas BA et al.; An anaerobic bacterium, strain DP7, was isolated from human feces in mineral medium with formate and 0.02% yeast extract as energy and carbon source . This rod-shaped motile bacterium used pyruvate, lactate, formate, hydrogen, butyrate, and ethanol as electron donor for sulfite reduction . Other electron acceptors such as thiosulfate, nitrate and fumarate stimulated growth in the presence of 0.02% yeast extract and formate . Acetate was the only product during fermentative growth on pyruvate . Six mol of pyruvate were fermented to 7 mol of acetate . 13C-NMR labeling experiments showed homoacetogenic 13C-CO2 incorporation into acetate . The pH and temperature optimum of fermentative growth on pyruvate was 7.4 and 37 degrees C, respectively . The growth rate under these conditions was approximately 0.10 h(-1) . Strain DP7 was identified as a new strain of Desulfitobacterium frappieri on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence analysis (99% similarity) and DNA-DNA hybridization (reassociation value of 83%) with Desulfitobacterium frappieri TCE1 . In contrast to described Desulfitobacterium strains, the newly isolated strain has not been isolated from a polluted environment and did not use chloroethenes or chlorophenols as electron acceptor.

J Endod, 2001 Mar, 27(3), 164 - 7
Detection of putative oral pathogens in acute periradicular abscesses by 16S rDNA-directed polymerase chain reaction; Siqueira JF Jr et al.; A 16S rDNA-directed polymerase chain reaction method was used to assess the occurrence of four black-pigmented anaerobic rods, Treponema denticola, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in acute periradicular abscesses . Pus was collected by aspiration from 10 cases diagnosed as acute abscesses of endodontic origin . DNA was extracted from the samples and analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction-based identification assay . The method allowed detecting black-pigmented anaerobes in 80% of the examined abscesses . Porphyromonas endodontalis was found in 70%, T . denticola in 50%, Porphyromonas gingivalis in 40%, and Prevotella intermedia in 10% of the cases . P . gingivalis was always found associated with P . endodontalis . Prevotella nigrescens and A . actinomycetemcomitans were not found in any pus sample . The high prevalence of P . endodontalis, T . denticola, and P . gingivalis suggests that they can play an important role in the etiology of acute periradicular abscesses.

Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1997 Feb, 15(1), 13 - 5
{The experimental observation on characteristics of soft tissues infection in maxillofacial region wounded by high velocity missile}; Jiang H et al.; In this experimental study, maxillofacial regions of dogs were wounded by steel spheres, which weight 1.03 g at a mean primary velocity of 1500 m/s . Aerobe and anaerobe bacteria in the muscles of different interval from wound track edge were cultured at different time after wound . The results showed that there was bacteria infection in the soft tissues between 0 and 0.5 cm from wound track edge in 6 hours after wound . The quantity of bacteria obviously increased following time prolonging, on the contrary, it was much lower than threshold value of bacteria infection within 24 hours . The experimental results suggested that there was obvious bacteria infection in the soft tissues within 0.5 cm distance from wound track edge in maxillofacial firearm wound region . During the debridement removing soft tissues within 0.5 cm distance from wound track edge, the infection of wound region could be controlled . Using effective antibiotics is an important measure of controlling infection of wound after debridement.

J Cosmet Sci, 2001 Jul-Aug, 52(4), 211 - 24
Differential scanning calorimetry studies of sebum models; Motwani MR et al.; Human sebum is a mixture of triglycerides, fatty acids, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol, and cholesterol esters . P . acnes, a bacterium that is normally found on the skin, hydrolyzes certain triglycerides to fatty acids, thereby changing the sebum composition . The objective of this study was to examine the physical state of a model sebum and the effect of variations in its composition on its physical properties including (a) the carbon chain length of the components, (b) the ratio of unsaturated to saturated components, and (c) the ratio of triglycerides to fatty acids . A model sebum mixture was prepared based on a composition reported in the literature and evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) . Since cholesterol and cholesterol esters contribute insignificantly to sebum composition, they were not included . Squalene was kept constant (13%), while the concentration of the rest of the components was varied . Variations of sebum were prepared by dissolving all components in a 3:1 chloroform-methanol mixture for uniformity . Subsequently the solvent was evaporated at room temperature . The samples were then analyzed using DSC . Four distinct endotherms (namely, Mp-1, Mp-2, Mp-3, and Mp-4) were observed between -50 degrees C and 100 degrees C . Mp-1 and Mp-2 occurred below 0 degrees C and were contributed by unsaturated components . Mp-3 and Mp-4, which represent the saturated components, occurred above 30 degrees C . Thus, at normal skin temperature (skin surface temperature is 32 degrees C), sebum contains both a solid and a liquid phase . All the transition temperatures increased with an increase in carbon chain length for the same ratio of unsaturation to saturation . A replacement of unsaturated components with corresponding saturated components led to a decrease in the transition temperatures for the former (Mp-1 and Mp-2) and an increase in the transition temperatures for the latter (Mp-3 and Mp-4) . Replacement of triglycerides with corresponding fatty acids (mimicking the action of anaerobic bacteria) caused an increase in Mp-2 and a decrease in Mp-4 . In all cases, the final melting temperature (Mp-4) was greater than the temperature of the human skin surface (32 degrees C); thus components contributing to these endotherms are still solids at skin temperature . All variations in the sebum model led to mixtures of solids and liquids at skin temperature . Considering a reduction in Mp-3 and/or Mp-4 to represent sebum "fluidization," it was achieved by a decrease in carbon chain length, an increase in unsaturation, or a substitution of triglycerides by corresponding fatty acids . Preferential enrichment with the saturated species will lead to enrichment of solids versus liquids in the sebum, presumably making it difficult for the liquid phase to dissolve the solids . It seems plausible that perturbation of the balance of solid and liquid components of sebum, such as by P . acnes action, may lead to blockage of the follicle . Future research will investigate strategies to dissolve and/or liquify the solid phase of sebum.

Klin Khir, 2001 Jan, (1), 18 - 21
{Application of enteral detoxication and decontamination in acute ileus}; Kutsyk IuB et al.; According to the experimental investigation data, conducted in 16 mongrel dogs in an acute ileus (AI), there are observed the colonization of proximal parts of small intestine (SI) by aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, the power dependent processes of inhibition and activation of peroxidal oxidation of lipids in her mucosa, causing the disorders of her morphology . Conduction of intraoperative flowing intestinal lavage and the abdominal cavity sanation using betadin, diluted in 1:100 ratio, have promoted the pathological microorganisms quantity reduction and stimulation of power dependent processes in the SI mucosa . Application of enteral detoxication and decontamination in 86 patients with AI during performance and after the operation have permitted to reduce the intoxication severity, to restore the motor, evacuational, absorbtive function of SI, the postoperative complications frequency.

Nature, 2001 Jul 19, 412(6844), 324 - 7
The role of microbial mats in the production of reduced gases on the early Earth; Hoehler TM et al.; The advent of oxygenic photosynthesis on Earth may have increased global biological productivity by a factor of 100-1,000 (ref . 1), profoundly affecting both geochemical and biological evolution . Much of this new productivity probably occurred in microbial mats, which incorporate a range of photosynthetic and anaerobic microorganisms in extremely close physical proximity . The potential contribution of these systems to global biogeochemical change would have depended on the nature of the interactions among these mat microorganisms . Here we report that in modern, cyanobacteria-dominated mats from hypersaline environments in Guerrero Negro, Mexico, photosynthetic microorganisms generate H2 and CO-gases that provide a basis for direct chemical interactions with neighbouring chemotrophic and heterotrophic microbes . We also observe an unexpected flux of CH4, which is probably related to H2-based alteration of the redox potential within the mats . These fluxes would have been most important during the nearly 2-billion-year period during which photosynthetic mats contributed substantially to biological productivity-and hence, to biogeochemistry-on Earth . In particular, the large fluxes of H2 that we observe could, with subsequent escape to space, represent a potentially important mechanism for oxidation of the primitive oceans and atmosphere.

Water Res, 2001 Aug, 35(11), 2589 - 94
The variation on the mutagenicity of CNP during anaerobic biodegradation; Matsushita T et al.; The mutagenicity of water, including herbicide CNP, and its time-variation during anaerobic biodegradation were studied through Ames assay using strains with or without . S9 mix: TA98, TA 100, YG1021, YG1024, YG1026, and YG1029 . The bacteria, for the anaerobic biodegradation, was obtained from a paddy field, and preincubated for a month . The CNP was decomposed in an anaerobic culture inoculated with the bacteria, and finally yielded CNP-amino as one of the CNP metabolites . About 16% of the initial CNP was transformed into CNP-amino by the 14th day . The mutagenicities to TA98 . YG1024, and YG1029 strains with S9 mix increased with cultivating time, the latter two showed the strongest sensitivity to CNP-amino . The contribution of CNP to the mutagenicity decreased as the chemical decomposed, while the contribution of CNP-amino increased . However, the increased mutagenicity was not limited to the contribution of CNP-amino . but also to the contribution of other metabolites . The contributions of other CNP metabolites were 67% of total mutagenicity to the TA98 strain and 30% to the YG1029 strain . These unknown mutagenic metabolites were the indirect frameshift mutagens which did not have nitro- and amino-substituents, and the indirect base-pair mutagens which might possibly have some amino-substituents.

Transfusion, 2001 Jul, 41(7), 928 - 32
In vivo survival of apheresis RBCs, frozen with 40-percent (wt/vol) glycerol, deglycerolized in the ACP 215, and stored at 4 degrees C in AS-3 for up to 21 days; Valeri CR et al.; BACKGROUND: The FDA has approved the storage of frozen RBCs at -80 degrees C for 10 years and the postwash storage at 4 degrees C for no more than 24 hours . The 4 degrees C postwash storage period is limited to 24 hours, because the current deglycerolization systems are functionally open systems . STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two units of RBCs were collected from each of 13 healthy male volunteers . The RBCs were collected in CP2D by the FDA-approved protocol for an automated apheresis device (MCS, LN8150, Haemonetics) and were stored at 4 degrees C in AS-3 for 6 days . Using a single disposable glycerolization set in an automated, functionally closed system (ACP 215, Haemonetics) each unit was transferred to a 1000-mL PVC plastic bag and glycerolized to a concentration of 40-percent (wt/vol) glycerol and frozen at -80 degrees C . A single disposable deglycerolization set in the ACP 215 was used to deglycerolize the 2 units from the same donor . The deglycerolized RBCs were stored at 4 degrees C in AS-3 for as long as 21 days . RESULTS: The mean +/- SD freeze-thaw-wash recovery value was 89.4 +/- 3 percent . The residual hemolysis in the RBCs stored at 4 degrees C in AS-3 for 21 days after deglycerolization was 0.9 +/- 0.2 percent, and the units were negative for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . The mean Nageotte WBC count was 9 x 10(6) per unit . When the deglycerolized RBCs were given as an autologous transfusion after storage at 4 degrees C in AS-3 for the 7- to 18-day period, the mean +/- SD 24-hour posttransfusion survival was 77 +/- 7 percent, and the index of therapeutic effectiveness was 69 +/- 8 percent . CONCLUSION: Two units of human RBCs collected from a single donor by apheresis in the MCS using an LN8150 set can be glycerolized sequentially with a single disposable set and deglycerolized sequentially with another single disposable set in the ACP 215 . The previously frozen RBCs stored in AS-3 for 7 to 18 days at 4 degrees C had acceptable hemolysis and an acceptable mean 24-hour posttransfusion survival value and index of therapeutic effectiveness.

Crit Care Med, 2001 Jul, 29(7), 1399 - 403
Difference in time to positivity of hub-blood versus nonhub-blood cultures is not useful for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients; Rijnders BJ et al.; OBJECTIVE: The differential time to positivity (DTTP), defined as the difference in time necessary for the blood cultures taken by a peripheral puncture and through the catheter to become positive has been suggested to be useful in differentiating between catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) and other sources of bacteremia . A DTTP of >120 mins was found predominantly in CR-BSI . The objective of our study was to investigate whether DTTP is useful for the diagnosis of CR-BSI in a medical-surgical intensive care unit . DESIGN: Prospective clinical study . SETTING: A 60-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital . PATIENTS: One hundred consecutive adult patients from whom catheter(s) were to be removed for suspected CR-BSI were studied . INTERVENTION: A blood culture (using aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles) was first taken from a new puncture site . Next, a blood culture was taken through every intravascular catheter in place . MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: DTTP was calculated using the automated BacT/Alert blood culture system . Three patients had CR-BSI and nine patients had noncatheter-related bacteremia . Five patients had catheter-related sepsis without proven bacteremia . There was no significant difference in median DTTP between patients with CR-BSI and noncatheter-related bacteremia (2.1 hrs and 3.3 hrs, respectively; p =.6) . Moreover, catheter-related sepsis in patients without bacteremia could not be detected using DTTP . CONCLUSION: DTTP seems not to be useful for the diagnosis of CR-BSI in a medical-surgical intensive care unit.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2001 Jul 13, 285(2), 456 - 62
YfiD of Escherichia coli and Y06I of bacteriophage T4 as autonomous glycyl radical cofactors reconstituting the catalytic center of oxygen-fragmented pyruvate formate-lyase; Wagner AF et al.; Reaction of oxygen with the glycyl radical in pyruvate formate-lyase (PFL) leads to cleavage of the polypeptide backbone between N-Calpha of Gly734 . A recombinant protein comprising the core of PFL (Ser1-Ser733) is shown here to associate with the YfiD protein (14 kDa) of Escherichia coli and likewise with the homologous T4 encoded Y06I protein, yielding upon reaction with PFL activase a heterooligomeric PFL enzyme that has full catalytic activity (35 U/nmol) . Treatment of the activated complexes with oxygen led to cleavage of the 14 kDa proteins into 11 and 3 kDa polypeptides as expected for the localization of the putative glycyl radical at Gly102 (YfiD) or Gly95 (Y06I) . For the isolated fragments from Y06I, mass spectrometric analysis (nanoESI-MS) determined a C-terminal serine carboxamide in the 11 kDa fragment, and a N-terminal oxalyl modification in the 3 kDa fragment . We speculate that YfiD in E . coli and other facultative anaerobic bacteria has evolved as a "spare part" for PFL's glycyl radical domain, utilized for rapid recovery of PFL activity (and thus ATP generation) in cells that have experienced oxidative stress .

J Bacteriol, 2001 Aug, 183(15), 4451 - 8
The type IV fimbrial subunit gene (fimA) of Dichelobacter nodosus is essential for virulence, protease secretion, and natural competence; Kennan RM et al.; Dichelobacter nodosus is the essential causative agent of footrot in sheep . The major D . nodosus-encoded virulence factors that have been implicated in the disease are type IV fimbriae and extracellular proteases . To examine the role of the fimbriae in virulence, allelic exchange was used to insertionally inactivate the fimA gene, which encodes the fimbrial subunit protein, from the virulent type G D . nodosus strain VCS1703A . Detailed analysis of two independently derived fimA mutants revealed that they no longer produced the fimbrial subunit protein or intact fimbriae and did not exhibit twitching motility . In addition, these mutants were no longer capable of undergoing natural transformation and did not secrete wild-type levels of extracellular proteases . These effects were not due to polar effects on the downstream fimB gene because insertionally inactivated fimB mutants were not defective in any of these phenotypic tests . Virulence testing of the mutants in a sheep pen trial conducted under controlled environmental conditions showed that the fimA mutants were avirulent, providing evidence that the fimA gene is an essential D . nodosus virulence gene . These studies represent the first time that molecular genetics has been used to determine the role of virulence genes in this slow growing anaerobic bacterium.

Can J Urol, 2001 Jun, 8 Suppl 1, 24 - 8
Use of antibiotics in chronic prostatitis syndromes; Shoskes DA; Chronic prostatitis is a common condition, with an incidence estimated at between 9%-14% of men worldwide . It is a medically controversial condition with significant attendant morbidity . According to a recent consensus report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), chronic prostatitis patients fall into one of three categories: chronic bacterial prostatitis (category II prostatitis); chronic pelvic pain syndrome (category III prostatitis); or asymptomatic inflammation (category IV prostatitis) . Prostatic tissues are best penetrated by drugs with a high pKa and high lipid solubility, such as quinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines, and sulfa drugs . Ciprofloxacin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli . The older quinolones demonstrate superiority against chronic bacterial prostatitis caused by gram-negative pathogens; the newer quinolones may be more effective against gram-positive pathogens and anaerobes . Despite continuing controversy, antimicrobial agents are the most common therapy employed in the treatment of chronic prostatitis . While some patients with nonbacterial (category III) prostatitis do improve with antibiotics, prolonged courses in the absence of documented infection or symptomatic improvement are not warranted . Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trials will hopefully lead to a clearer understanding of the role of antimicrobial agents in chronic bacterial prostatitis within the next year.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2001 Aug, 16(4), 224 - 8
Distribution of the tetracycline resistance determinant tetQ gene in oral isolates of black-pigmented anaerobes in Japan; Okamoto M et al.; We investigated the distribution of tetracycline resistance determinant tetQ in oral black-pigmented anaerobes using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) METHOD: A total of 185 healthy subjects were divided into 3 groups based on subject age: young (6 to 10 years, n=58), middle (11 to 40 years, n=96), and elder (exactly 70 years, n=31) . The prevalence of black-pigmented anaerobes in the gingival sulcus among these groups was 29.3%, 28.2%, and 64.5%, respectively . The prevalence of Prevotella nigrescens among these groups was 22.4%, 15.6%, and 32.3%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of Prevotella intermedia was 1.7%, 4.2%, and 35.5%, respectively . Porphyromonas gingivalis was found only in the elder group (16.1%) . The prevalence of the tetQ gene in the black-pigmented anaerobes-positive subjects was almost the same among the 3 groups (approximately 30%) . The tetQ gene was found in 27.5% (46 of 167) of P . nigrescens isolates, whereas it was found in only 6.4% (3 of 47) of P . intermedia isolates and in none of the 19 P . gingivalis isolates . Restriction endonuclease digestion patterns of the PCR products revealed 83.6% of 49 tetQ-positive isolates were of subtype A2H2 (AluI type 2, HpaII type 2).

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2001 May, 65(5), 1163 - 9
Purification and characterization of ginsenoside Rb1-metabolizing beta-glucosidase from Fusobacterium K-60, a human intestinal anaerobic bacterium; Park SY et al.; Fusobacterium K-60, a ginsenoside Rb1-metabolizing bacterium, was isolated from human intestinal feces . From this Fusodobacterium K-60, a ginsenoside Rb1-metabolizing enzyme, beta-glucosidase, has been purified . The enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity by a combination of butyl-Toyopearl, hydroxyapatite ultragel, Q-Sepharose, and Sephacryl S-300 HR column chromatographies with a final specific activity of 1.52 micromol/min/mg . It had optimal activity at pH 7.0 and 40 degrees C . The molecular mass of this purified enzyme was 320 kDa, with 4 identical subunits (80 kDa) . The purified enzyme activity was inhibited by Ba++, Fe++, and some agents that modify cysteine residues . This enzyme strongly hydrolyzed sophorose, followed by p-nitrophenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, esculin, and ginsenoside Rb1 . However, this enzyme did not change 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (IH-901) to 20(S)-protopanaxadiol, while it weakly changed ginsenoside Rb1 to IH-901 . These findings suggest that the Fusobacterial beta-glucosidase is a novel enzyme transforming ginsenoside Rb1.

Biochem J, 2001 Jul 15, 357(Pt 2), 581 - 6
Sulphoacetaldehyde sulpho-lyase (EC 4.4.1.12) from Desulfonispora thiosulfatigenes: purification, properties and primary sequence; Denger K et al.; The strictly anaerobic bacterium Desulfonispora thiosulfatigenes ferments taurine via sulphoacetaldehyde, which is hydrolysed to acetate and sulphite by sulphoacetaldehyde sulpho-lyase (EC 4.4.1.12) . The lyase was expressed at high levels and a two-step, 4.5-fold purification yielded an apparently homogeneous soluble protein, which was presumably a homodimer in its native form; the molecular mass of the subunit was about 61 kDa (by SDS/PAGE) . The mass was determined to be 63.8 kDa by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS . The purified enzyme converted 1 mol of sulphoacetaldehyde to 1 mol each of sulphite and acetate, but no requirement for thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) was detected . The N-terminal and two internal amino acid sequences were determined, which allowed us to generate PCR primers . The gene was amplified and sequenced . The DNA sequence had no significant homologue in the databases searched, whereas the derived amino acid sequence indicated an oxo-acid lyase, revealed a TPP-binding site and gave a derived molecular mass of 63.8 kDa.

Jpn J Antibiot, 2001 Apr, 54(4), 145 - 70
{Antimicrobial activities of meropenem against clinically isolated strains in 1999}; Suzuki Y et al.; We determined the antibacterial activity of meropenem (MEPM) and control drugs against clinical isolates of 310 strains of Gram-positive bacteria (14 species), 590 strains of Gram-positive bacteria (21 species), and 120 strains of anaerobic bacteria (10 species) in 1999 . We compared the results thus obtained with those in 1993 and 1997 . The results were as follows; 1 . MEPM showed excellent antibacterial activities against most of the species tested, except for MRSA, E . faecium, E . avium, and methicillin-resistant S . epidermidis (MRSE) . 2 . MEPM had much higher activity than IPM and PAPM against Gram-negative bacteria including S . marcescens and P . aeruginosa, part of which have been reported to produce metallo-beta-lactamase . 3 . There was little difference in the susceptibility of clinical isolates to MEPM between 1993 and 1999 . Thus MEPM was shown to retain its potent and broad antibacterial activity now at the same level as before available for use in 1995.

Clin Rheumatol, 2001, 20(3), 229 - 31
Septic arthritis of the hip due to Fusobacterium nucleatum; Chryssagi AM et al.; Anaerobic bacteria are uncommon pathogens in septic arthritis . We report a case of pyarthrosis of the right hip caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum, following a transient synovitis in an otherwise healthy boy . There are only a few cases involving this species described in the literature . This report illustrates the difficulty of isolating this unusual organism and emphasises the usefulness of the Bactec blood culture bottles for the recovery of anaerobic bacteria.

Pediatrics . 2001 Jul;108(1):E17.
Recovery of anaerobic bacteria from four children with postthoracotomy sternal wound infection; Brook I; The cases of 4 children who developed postthoracotomy sternal wound infection caused by anaerobic bacteria are presented . The predominate anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus species and pigmented Prevotella species . Polymicrobial infection was present in all cases, and aerobic bacteria also were recovered in 2 instances . All patients responded to surgical debridement and antimicrobials effective against the isolated aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . These findings highlight the potential importance of anaerobic bacteria in postthoracotomy sternal wound infection.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2001 Jul, 67(7), 3236 - 44
Identification of a small tetraheme cytochrome c and a flavocytochrome c as two of the principal soluble cytochromes c in Shewanella oneidensis strain MR1; Tsapin AI et al.; Two abundant, low-redox-potential cytochromes c were purified from the facultative anaerobe Shewanella oneidensis strain MR1 grown anaerobically with fumarate . The small cytochrome was completely sequenced, and the genes coding for both proteins were cloned and sequenced . The small cytochrome c contains 91 residues and four heme binding sites . It is most similar to the cytochromes c from Shewanella frigidimarina (formerly Shewanella putrefaciens) NCIMB400 and the unclassified bacterial strain H1R (64 and 55% identity, respectively) . The amount of the small tetraheme cytochrome is regulated by anaerobiosis, but not by fumarate . The larger of the two low-potential cytochromes contains tetraheme and flavin domains and is regulated by anaerobiosis and by fumarate and thus most nearly corresponds to the flavocytochrome c-fumarate reductase previously characterized from S . frigidimarina to which it is 59% identical . However, the genetic context of the cytochrome genes is not the same for the two Shewanella species, and they are not located in multicistronic operons . The small cytochrome c and the cytochrome domain of the flavocytochrome c are also homologous, showing 34% identity . Structural comparison shows that the Shewanella tetraheme cytochromes are not related to the Desulfovibrio cytochromes c(3) but define a new folding motif for small multiheme cytochromes c.

Oncogene, 2001 Jun 7, 20(26), 3387 - 98
p21 Waf1/Cip1 can protect human colon carcinoma cells against p53-dependent and p53-independent apoptosis induced by natural chemopreventive and therapeutic agents; Mahyar-Roemer M et al.; The molecular basis for the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemopreventive natural food compounds and commonly used chemotherapeutic agents is not well understood, not least because studies are frequently confounded by the diversity among cell lines or rely on experimental protein overexpression . Here we investigated the effects of n-butyrate, a cancer-preventive short-chain fatty acid produced by anaerobic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, on the human wild-type p53 and p21 expressing HCT116 colon carcinoma cell line and on HCT116 cells with either p53 or p21 alleles inactivated by homologous recombination . The effects of n-butyrate were then compared with those elicited by cytotoxic drugs and the natural chemopreventive phytoalexin of wine and grapes, resveratrol . We document that physiological concentrations of n-butyrate stimulate p21 expression and induce apoptosis independently of p53, and that the absence of p21 increases apoptosis drastically . The apoptosis is mediated through the mitochondria and is accompanied by mitochondrial proliferation and membrane potential changes . Adriamycin, etoposide, cisplatinum, colcemid and resveratrol induce distinct cellular responses; however, absence of p21 favors apoptosis-induction by adriamycin, etoposide and colcemid . Thus, control of p21 expression may support chemoprevention and certain tumor therapies.

J Clin Periodontol, 2001 Jul, 28(7), 701 - 5
Capnocytophaga granulosa and Capnocytophaga haemolytica: novel species in subgingival plaque; Ciantar M et al.; BACKGROUND: The oral cavity accommodates one of the most diverse microfloras in the human body . Knowledge of this microflora, and of the periodontal microflora in particular, proves crucial towards an understanding of the bacterial-host interactions which lead to the development of infectious inflammatory periodontal diseases . Capnocytophaga species have been implicated as putative periodontal pathogens . To date, only 3 members of this genus (C . gingivalis, C . ochracea and C . sputigena) have been isolated from subgingival plaque . AIM: This communication reports the isolation of 2 recently-speciated strains, namely C . granulosa and C . haemolytica, from subgingival plaque collected from adult periodontitis patients . MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subgingival plaque was collected from 29 patients with chronic adult periodontitis . Plaque samples were inoculated onto fastidious anaerobe agar and incubated anaerobically for 5 days . Routine identification of clinical isolates was performed by 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP analysis, using Cfo I as restriction enzyme and corroborated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing . RESULTS: 16 of 29 patients (55%) tested positive for either C . granulosa and or C . haemolytica . A total of 70 isolates (63 C . granulosa and 7 C . haemolytica) were cultivated from subgingival plaque . 15 (51%) patients tested positive for C . granulosa, and 3 (10%) patients tested positive for C . haemolytica . CONCLUSION: This is the 1st report which recounts the presence of C . granulosa and C . haemolytica in subgingival plaque . Further research is required to establish the relative proportions of these species subgingivally in health and disease.

Clin Exp Immunol, 2001 May, 124(2), 223 - 8
Differential recognition of obligate anaerobic bacteria by human mannose-binding lectin; Townsend R et al.; Deficiency of the innate, humoral immune component mannose-binding lectin (MBL) predisposes individuals to a variety of infections, but the importance of MBL in infection by anaerobes has not been addressed . The attachment of MBL to a wide range of anaerobic bacteria associated with human disease and colonization was surveyed . The results suggest that for the species we examined, resistance to MBL binding may be associated with organisms that are more commonly pathogenic and that MBL binding to some bacteria may be phase variable.

Clin Infect Dis, 2001 Jul 15, 33(2), 220 - 5 Epub 2001 Jun 14.
Rapid identification of bacteria and yeast: summary of a National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards proposed guideline; Baron EJ; Using colony morphology on selected agars, Gram-stain morphology, and a number of 1-step biochemical or enzymatic tests, skilled microbiologists can identify the species of the majority of isolates seen routinely in a clinical laboratory . These results are often available more quickly than and are as accurate as those derived from conventional methods . The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards has produced a guideline that describes tests that can be used to identify a number of aerobic gram-negative rods and gram-positive cocci, a number of commonly isolated anaerobes, and 3 species of yeast . An overview of the organisms included in the guideline, the tests that identify them, and the situations in which rapid testing is appropriate is presented here.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2001 May, 51(Pt 3), 1161 - 70
Alkalibacterium olivoapovliticus gen . nov., sp . nov., a new obligately alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from edible-olive wash-waters; Ntougias S et al.; A novel Gram-positive, obligately alkaliphilic, non-sporulating, rod-shaped, flagellated bacterium is described . Three different strains of the bacterium were isolated from the wash-waters of edible-olive production . The strains are motile, psychrotolerant, halotolerant, facultatively anaerobic bacteria with a pH optimum of 9.0-9.4 for two strains and 9.8-10.2 for the third . They are catalase- and oxidase-negative . A range of hexoses and some disaccharides composed of hexoses, but not pentoses are metabolized by the bacterial strains: D(+)-glucose, D(+)-glucose 6-phosphate, D(+)-cellobiose, starch or sucrose are the carbohydrates best utilized . No common amino acids are utilized by the three alkaliphilic strains, but yeast extract can serve as sole carbon and energy source . The major membrane phospholipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid, all containing saturated and unsaturated, even-carbon-numbered fatty acyl chains with hexadecanoic and hexadecen(7)oic as the predominant components . The G+C content of the DNA in all three strains is 39.7+/-1.0 mol% and the DNA relatedness by hybridization is >88% for all pairings of the three strains . The results of 16S rRNA sequence comparisons revealed that the strains represent a new alkaliphilic linkage in the order Bacillales, belonging to the Carnobacterium/Aerococcus-like spectrum . It is proposed that the strains should be assigned to a new genus and species, Alkalibacterium olivoapovliticus . The three strains, designated WW2-SN4aT, WW2-SN4c and WW2-SN5, have been deposited with Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen (DSMZ) as DSM 13175T, DSM 12937 and DSM 12938 respectively, and in the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria as NCIMB 13710T, NCIMB 13711 and NCIMB 13712, respectively . The type species of this genus is Alkalibacterium olivoapovliticus and the type strain is WW2-SN4aT.

J Microbiol Methods, 2001 Aug, 46(2), 165 - 9
Electrophoretic mobility anomalies associated with PCR amplification of the intergenic spacer region between 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA genes of Fusobacterium necrophorum; Narayanan SK et al.; PCR amplification of the intergenic spacer region (ISR) between 16S and 23S rRNA genes among subspecies of the anaerobic bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum gave identical patterns, with two forms of ISR identified . However, extra bands resulting from anomalous electrophoretic mobility of amplified DNA fragments with certain primer combinations were encountered . Therefore, PCR assays relying solely on banding patterns may be unreliable, and supporting sequence analysis is essential for correct culture identification.

J Environ Sci Health B, 2001 May, 36(3), 301 - 16
Anaerobic treatment of atrazine bearing wastewater; Ghosh PK et al.; Performance of mixed microbial anaerobic culture in treating synthetic waste-water with high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and varying atrazine concentration was studied . Performance of hybrid reactors with wood charcoal as adsorbent, with a dose of 10 g/l and 40 g/l, along with the microbial mass was also studied . All the reactors were operated in sequential mode with Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 5 days . In all the cases, COD removal after 5 days was found to be above 81% . Initial COD was above 1,000 mg/l . From a hybrid reactor COD removal after 2 days was observed to be 90% . Atrazine reduction after 5 days by microbial mass alone was 43.8%, 40% and 33.2% with an initial concentration of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/l respectively . MLSS on all the cases were almost same . Increasing MLSS concentration by about 2 fold did not increase the atrazine removal efficiency significantly . Maximum atrazine removal was observed to be 64% from the hybrid reactor with 10 g/l of wood charcoal and 69.4% from the reactor with 40 g/l of wood charcoal . Atrazine removal from the hybrid reactors after 15 days were observed to be 35.7% and 38.7%, which showed that the higher dose of wood charcoal in hybrid reactor did not improve the atrazine removal efficiency significantly . Specific methanogenic activity test showed no inhibitory effect of atrazine on methane producing bacteria . The performance of anaerobic microorganisms in removing atrazine with no external carbon source and inorganic nitrogen source was studied in batch mode . With an initial concentration of 1.0 mg/l, reduction of atrazine by the anaerobic microorganisms in absence of external carbon source after 35 days was observed to be 61.8% where as in absence of external carbon and inorganic nitrogen source the reduction was only 44.2% after 150 days . Volatilization loss of atrazine was observed to be insignificant.

Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2001 Jun, 12(3), 277 - 82
Recent advances in methane fermentation technology; Sekiguchi Y et al.; In the past two decades, a number of biotechnologies for anaerobic (methanogenic) wastewater treatment have been created, and practical applications of these processes are now being extended to more recalcitrant wastewaters and to wastewaters at extreme temperatures . Our knowledge of methanogenic organic degradation associated with bioreactors is also accumulating at a rapid rate . The recent advancement of such fundamental understanding is attributed to modern molecular biology techniques applied to the study of microbial communities and to continuous challenges to the cultivation of many important but recalcitrant anaerobes in bioreactors.

Int J Mol Med, 2001 Jul, 8(1), 59 - 62
Inhibitory effect of lactoperoxidase-generated hypothiocyanite upon black pigmented anaerobe growth; Fadel M et al.; This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of lactoperoxidase with or without its substrates (hydrogen peroxide, thiocyanate) on the growth of 4 different black pigmented anaerobe (BPA) strains associated with the development and progress of periodontal diseases: Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Prevotella intermedia NCTC 9336, Prevotella loescheii ATCC 15930, and Prevotella melaninogenica NCTC 9338 . A 5-min lactoperoxidase-generated OSCN--HOSCN incubation at pH 6.0, 7.0 or 8.0 resulted in a decrease of the growth rate (tested by turbidimetry in liquid cultures) of the 4 BPA strains, whilst lactoperoxidase alone actually promoted bacterial growth.

Biotechnol Bioeng, 2001 Aug 5, 74(3), 181 - 95
Influence of anaerobic culture acclimation on the degradation kinetics of various substrates; Gavala HN et al.; The adaptation of an anaerobic culture (anaerobic sludge) to a specific substrate brings significant changes to its microbial population . These changes can be described by the sludge's ability to treat various substrates such as carbohydrates or proteins or "intermediate" products of anaerobic metabolism such as L-lactic, propionic, and acetic acids . The activity of the sludge with respect to a specific substrate is a critical parameter, because the anaerobic degradability of wastewaters depends strongly on it . This work examines and quantifies the differentiation of two anaerobic sludges of the same origin, following an adaptation period of about 18 months to lactose and gelatin, respectively . The acclimation has a significant effect on the maximum specific utilization rates of various compounds and on their apparent consumption kinetics . It is noticeable, however, that even if the anaerobic cultures were not exposed to a specific substrate for a prolonged period of time (more than a year), they still kept the ability of hydrolyzing or degrading it . In addition, the acclimation has an unquestionable effect on the stoichiometry of the production of volatile fatty acids and L-lactate . Finally, from codigestion experiments it is shown that codigestion of lactose and gelatin appears to have no effect on their hydrolysis kinetics in any of the lactose or gelatin acclimated cultures; specifically, the hydrolysis kinetics remained the same as calculated when lactose or gelatin were the only fed substrates . Similarly, the kinetics of L-lactate and D-glucose biodegradation seemed to be unchanged . On the other hand, codigestion has a significant effect on the production of L-lactic, propionic, and acetic acids, which can be attributed to the increased hydrogen production accompanying gelatin biodegradation .

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2001 Jun, 124(6), 683 - 6
Bacteriology of chronic sinusitis after amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium therapy; Jiang RS et al.; The bacteriology of chronic sinusitis was studied after amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium therapy . Patients with chronic sinusitis were randomly divided into 2 groups . In the study group, 90 patients were given a 2-week course of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium before functional endoscopic sinus surgery . In the control group, 113 patients did not take any antibiotics within 2 weeks before the surgery . Swab specimens were taken from the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses during surgery and sent for aerobic and anaerobic culture . In the study group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 45.6% and 28.9%, respectively . In the control group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 53.1% and 34.5%, respectively . The culture rates between the control group and the study group were not significantly different, either for the maxillary sinus or the ethmoid sinus . This showed that treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium did not change the bacteriology of chronic sinusitis.

Water Sci Technol, 2000, 41(3), 137 - 44
Investigations on the changes in anaerobic biodegradability and biotoxicity of an industrial microbial biomass induced by a thermochemical pretreatment; Delgenes JP et al.; In the anaerobic digestion of solid wastes, hydrolysis is the rate limiting step and physicochemical pretreatment is often required to promote solubilization of organic matter . As an illustration, anaerobic digestion was limited by the substrate solubilization step during continuous cultures performed with an industrial microbial biomass . In optimal operating conditions determined for the hydrolysis-acidogenesis step (T = 35 degrees C; pH = 8.5; OLR = 5.4 g COD/l.d) 50.6% COD solubilization was achieved . A thermochemical pretreatment based on sodium hydroxide addition, was used in order to enhance COD solubilization . Optimal conditions for COD solubilization were pH = 12, T = 140 degrees C for 30 minutes . In these conditions, 70% COD solubilization was achieved . However, anaerobic biodegradability of the pretreated substrate was not improved and remained near 40% . The poor anaerobic biodegradability performances were attributed to the soluble molecules generated during the thermochemical pretreatment that were refractory and/or inhibitory to anaerobic microorganisms . Fractionation of the soluble pretreated microbial biomass by two methods (treatment with adsorbent resins and precipitation by pH adjustment) demonstrated that high molecular weight compounds (> 100 kDa) are involved in the poor biodegradability and in the biotoxicity observed . Partial decolorization through resin use and acid precipitation remove these compounds . The consequence of their removal was an increase of the production of biogas.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 43(2), 35 - 42
Anaerobic bioventing of unsaturated zone contaminated with DDT and DNT; Shah JK et al.; Initial degradation of highly chlorinated compounds and nitroaromatic compounds found in munition waste streams is accelerated under anaerobic conditions followed by aerobic treatment of the degradation products . The establishment of anaerobic environment in a vadose zone can be accomplished by feeding appropriate anaerobic gas mixture, i.e., "anaerobic bioventing" . The gas mixture contains an electron donor for the reduction of these compounds . Lab scale study was conducted to evaluate potential of anaerobic bioventing for the treatment of an unsaturated zone contaminated with 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) . Hydrogen was used as the electron donor . Using the soil columns innoculate with anaerobic microorganisms, it was observed that by feeding a gas mixture of 1% hydrogen, 1% carbon dioxide and nitrogen, methanogenic conditions were established and DDT was reductively dechlorinated . 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD) accumulated as the intermediate product . The half life of DDT was calculated to be 8.5 months . DNT completely disappeared after six months of operation and no intermediates could be detected.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 43(2), 25 - 33
RDX degradation using an integrated Fe(0)-microbial treatment approach; Wildman MJ et al.; RDX is a persistent and highly mobile groundwater contaminant that represents a major remediation challenge at numerous munitions manufacturing and load-assemblage-package facilities . This work presents proof of concept that permeable reactive iron barriers might be a viable approach to intercept and degrade RDX plumes . Specifically, RDX was rapidly reduced in aquifier microcosms amended with Fe(0) powder, and in flow-through columns packed with steel wool . The rate and extent of RDX degradation in microcosms was enhanced by anaerobic bacteria that feed on cathodic hydrogen (i.e., H2 produced during anaerobic Fe(0) corrosion by water) . Apparently, the hydrogenotrophic consortium that exploits Fe(0) corrosion as a metabolic niche participated in the further degradation of heterocyclic intermediates produced by the reaction of RDX with Fe(0) . Reductive treatment of RDX with Fe(0) also reduced its toxicity to microorganisms and enhanced its subsequent biodegradability under either anaerobic or anaerobic conditions . Therefore, a combined or sequential Fe(0)-biological treatment approach might improve treatment efficiency.

Chemosphere, 2001 May-Jun, 43(4-7), 675 - 81
Regiospecific dechlorination of spiked tetra- and trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxins by anaerobic bacteria from PCDD/F-contaminated Spittelwasser sediments; Bunge M et al.; Samples were taken from sediment of the River Spittelwasser (district Bitterfeld, Germany), which is highly polluted with PCDD/Fs and other chloroorganic compounds . The sediment cores were separated into 10-20 cm thick layers, spiked with 50 microM of 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and incubated for 8 months under anaerobic conditions in the presence of cosubstrates . Reductive dechlorination of the tetrachlorinated congener and formation of tri- and dichlorinated products were observed in all biologically active incubations . Analysis of subcultures spiked with 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, respectively, revealed two different dechlorination pathways within the sediment cores . Pathway M was characterized by the simultaneous dechlorination of peri- and lateralchlorine atoms, whereas sequence SP was restricted to the dechlorination at positions flanked by chlorine atoms on both sides.

Chemosphere, 2001 May-Jun, 43(4-7), 649 - 54
Comparisons of PCBs dechlorination occurrences in various contaminated sediments; Chen IM et al.; A comparison was made of reductive dechlorination occurrences of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by microorganisms collected from contaminated sediments including Er-Jen River (Tainan, Taiwan), Hudson River (Ft . Edward, NY), Silver Lake (Pittsfield, MA) and Puget Sound (Washington State) . Comparisons was made in terms of chromatographic data (referring to the biological activity, including microbial availability) and thermodynamic data (demonstrating the selectivity of anaerobic microorganisms in the dechlorination of chlorinated compounds) . Chromatographic data was established in terms of difference in relative retention time (delta ln RRT) and thermodynamic data was estimated as heat of reaction (delta H(r)0) . Both were calculated and correlated to occurrences of dechlorination reactions . Observed dechlorination reactions for individually introducing PCB congener had delta ln RRT levels measured as >0.47 (Er-Jen River), >0.29 (Hudson River), >0.36 (Silver Lake) and >0.45 (Puget Sound, for Aroclor 1254 dechlorination) . Critical of delta H(r)0 and delta ln RRT values showed that Hudson River and Silver Lake microorganisms were capable of dechlorinating PCBs through reactions with larger H(r)0 value (lower levels of released energy) and smaller delta ln RRT value compared with those found in Er-Jen River and Puget Sound sediments . Differences in the critical delta ln RRT values of these sediments may be due to differences in their levels of PCB contamination.

Eur J Pediatr Surg, 2001 Apr, 11(2), 86 - 91
Periumbilical necrotizing fasciitis in the newborn; Weber DM et al.; Periumbilical necrotizing fasciitis (PNF) in the newborn is an invasive bacterial infection of the abdominal wall with a fulminant course and a high mortality rate . Little is known about the etiology, risk factors and microbiology of the disease . 18 patients with periumbilical necrotizing fasciitis were included in this retrospective study and were compared with 50 patients with omphalitis over a 6-year period, between 1992 and 1998 . This represents the largest reported study . The children with periumbilical necrotizing fasciitis presented at a younger age compared to the omphalitis group (8.4 days vs . 9.1 days) and had a shorter clinical history (1.9 days vs . 2.8 days), suggesting that PNF is not a mere sequela of omphalitis but has distinctive underlying causes . None of our patients in the omphalitis group had a progression of the disease towards necrotizing fasciitis . The microbial spectrum of cultures obtained in patients with PNF consisted of mixed anaerobes and aerobes in 55%, and mixed aerobes in 36% of cases . Early aggressive therapy, including elective endotracheal intubation, immediate surgical debridement of the abdominal wall, antibiotics and supportive measurements resulted in a survival rate of 56% . Far from being satisfactory, this is nevertheless higher than the 12.5% to 45% survival rate quoted in previous publications.

Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol, 2001, 9(1), 17 - 22
Vaginal microflora associated with bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women: reliability of sialidase detection; Smayevsky J et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobic bacteria and Mycoplasma hominis in vaginal specimens of women with and without bacterial vaginosis (BV) as well as to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the direct sialidase assay of vaginal fluid as a rapid test for diagnosing this syndrome . METHODS: Vaginal cultures were obtained from 109 nonpregnant women (mean age 33 +/- 7.1 years), 47 of them with clinical signs of BV (BV+) and 62 of them without BV (BV-) . In addition, we determined the vaginal sialidase activity in both groups, which may serve as a feature of this syndrome . RESULTS: Anaerobic bacteria were isolated in 91% and 18% of the BV+ and BV- groups, respectively (p < 0.001) . Peptostreptococcus spp., Prevotella bivia and Porphyromonas spp . were strongly associated with BV . P . bivia and Prevotella spp . represented 44% of all the anaerobes isolated in the BV+ group . All the isolated P . bivia strains presented sialidase activity . G . vaginalis and M . hominis were isolated in 76% and 42% of the BV+ and 1% and 0% of the BV- women, respectively (p < 0.001) . Mobiluncus morphotypes were observed in 34% of the BV+ and 0% of BV- women . Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of sialidase activity were 81%, 94%, 90% and 86%, respectively . CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate a strong association between G . vaginalis, M . hominis, and P . bivia and BV . Sialidase activity and Gram stain of vaginal fluid represent accurate methods for diagnosing BV.

Eur J Surg, 2001 Apr, 167(4), 268 - 73
Infection after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: effect of infected bile and infected gallbladder wall; Al-Abassi AA et al.; OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of infected bile and gallbladder wall infection at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and find out if they influenced the rate of postoperative infective complications . DESIGN: Prospective study . SETTING: District hospital, Kuwait . SUBJECTS: All 279 patients who had their gallbladders removed laparoscopically for gallbladder disease between September 1995 and August 1998 . INTERVENTIONS: Samples of bile and gallbladder wall were taken from all patients and cultured separately for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Patients with complicated gallbladder disease (n = 80) were given preoperative therapeutic antibiotics for five days (cephalosporin plus metronidazole), and other high-risk patients (n = 138) were given prophylactic ceftriaxone either 1 g x 3 starting at induction of anaesthesia (n = 42), or a single dose at induction (n = 96) . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of infected cultures, and infective morbidity . RESULTS: 26 specimens of bile (9%) and 56 specimens of gallbladder wall (20%) were infected . Two patients in whom neither specimen had shown any growth developed minor infections at the umbilical port . No patient in whom either specimen was infected developed an infective complication . CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of infective complications was negligible, and did not correlate with the presence of bacteria in the bile or gallbladder wall . This is probably a reflection of our aggressive antibiotic regimen in the management of high-risk patients.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2001 Jun, 45(6), 1896 - 9
Comparative in vitro activities of gemifloxacin, other quinolones, and nonquinolone antimicrobials against obligately anaerobic bacteria; Kleinkauf N et al.; The in vitro activity of gemifloxacin was compared to that of other quinolone and nonquinolone antimicrobials against 204 anaerobes by the agar dilution technique . The data indicate that gemifloxacin has a rather selective anaerobic activity . Most Peptostreptococcus, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium species are susceptible, while gemifloxacin's activity against other gram-negative anaerobes appears to be variable.

Environ Sci Technol, 2001 Jan 15, 35(2), 286 - 91
Factors controlling the rate of DDE dechlorination to DDMU in Palos Verdes margin sediments under anaerobic conditions; Quensen JF 3rd et al.; Marine sediments off the coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California have been designated a Superfund site primarily because of the presence of DDE {1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethene} . For decades, it was believed that DDE was not microbially transformed, but anaerobic bacteria in the Palos Verdes sediments reductively dechlorinate DDEto DDMU {1-chloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethene}, which is also found in the sediments . The effects of electron donor to sulfate ratio, available carbon, sampling sites, sediment depth, and temperature on the rate and extent of DDE dechlorination in anaerobic Palos Verdes sediment microcosms were investigated . Dechlorination rates varied, depending on the site and depth from which the sediments were collected, but DDE dechlorination occurred with sediments from all locations studied . Sulfate and low temperatures slowed dechlorination, but in the presence of sulfate and at in situ temperature, the dechlorination rates observed in the microcosms agree well with the observed rate of DDE disappearance from the Palos Verdes margin sediments.

Crit Rev Oral Biol Med, 2001, 12(2), 116 - 24
Beyond the specific plaque hypothesis: are highly leukotoxic strains of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans a paradigm for periodontal pathogenesis?
Guthmiller JM, Lally ET, Korostoff J.
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a facultative anaerobe implicated in a variety of periodontal diseases . Its presence is most closely associated with localized juvenile periodontitis (LIP), although the exact role of the organism in this and other periodontal diseases is not entirely clear . While A . actinomycetemcomitans produces several different putative virulence factors, the most widely studied is the leukotoxin . The leukotoxin selectively kills polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages in vitro, constituting the host's first line of defense . Interestingly, even though all strains of A . actinomycetemcomitans have the genes encoding the leukotoxin, there is variability in leukotoxin expression . Differences in the structure of the promoter region of the leukotoxin gene operon were shown to correlate directly with levels of leukotoxin production . Highly leukotoxic forms appear to exhibit increased pathogenic potential, as evidenced by recent studies that have shown a significant association between the prevalence of such strains and the occurrence of LIP in several different populations . This represents the first demonstration of an association between a particular subset of a pathogenic species and a specific periodontal disease . Early identification of A . actinomycetemcomitans by microbial and genetic assays to evaluate leukotoxicity may enhance the efficacy of preventive and/or therapeutic techniques . Future investigations should continue to evaluate pathogenic variations of additional virulence factors expressed in vivo, not only of A . actinomycetemcomitans, but also of other periodontal bacteria and infectious disease pathogens.

FEBS Lett, 2001 May 4, 496(1), 40 - 3
The 'strict' anaerobe Desulfovibrio gigas contains a membrane-bound oxygen-reducing respiratory chain; Lemos RS et al.; Sulfate-reducing bacteria are considered as strict anaerobic microorganisms, in spite of the fact that some strains have been shown to tolerate the transient presence of dioxygen . This report shows that membranes from Desulfovibrio gigas grown in fumarate/sulfate contain a respiratory chain fully competent to reduce dioxygen to water . In particular, a membrane-bound terminal oxygen reductase, of the cytochrome bd family, was isolated, characterized, and shown to completely reduce oxygen to water . This oxidase has two subunits with apparent molecular masses of 40 and 29 kDa . Using NADH or succinate as electron donors, the oxygen respiratory rates of D . gigas membranes are comparable to those of aerobic organisms (3.2 and 29 nmol O(2) min(-1) mg protein(-1), respectively) . This 'strict anaerobic' bacterium contains all the necessary enzymatic complexes to live aerobically, showing that the relationships between oxygen and anaerobes are much more complex than originally thought.

Mikrobiologiia, 2001 Jan-Feb, 70(1), 15 - 23
{A new family of Alteromonadaceae fam . nov., including the marine proteobacteria species Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Idiomarina i Colwellia.}; Ivanova EP et al.; The taxonomic position of the marine genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Idiomarina, and Colwellia within the gamma subclass of the class Proteobacteria were specified on the basis of their phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic characteristics . Gram-negative aerobic bacteria of the genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and Idiomarina and facultatively anaerobic bacteria of the genus Colwellia were found to form a phylogenetic cluster with a 16S rRNA sequence homology of 90% or higher . The characteristics of these genera presented in this paper allow their reliable taxonomic identification . Based on the analysis of our experimental data and analyses available in the literature, we propose to combine the genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Idiomarina, and Colwellia into a new family, Alteromonadaceae fam . nov., with the type genus Alteromonas.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2001 Mar, 51(Pt 2), 581 - 8
Geobacter hydrogenophilus, Geobacter chapellei and Geobacter grbiciae, three new, strictly anaerobic, dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducers; Coates JD et al.; Recent studies on the diversity and ubiquity of Fe(III)-reducing organisms in different environments led to the isolation and identification of four new dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducers (strains H-2T, 172T, TACP-2T and TACP-5) . All four isolates are non-motile, Gram-negative, freshwater, mesophilic, strict anaerobes with morphology identical to that of Geobacter metallireducens strain GS-15T . Analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences indicated that the new isolates belong to the genus Geobacter, in the delta-Proteobacteria . Significant differences in phenotypic characteristics, DNA-DNA homology and G+C content indicated that the four isolates represent three new species of the genus . The names Geobacter hydrogenophilus sp . nov . (strain H-2T), Geobacter chapellei sp . nov . (strain 172T) and Geobacter grbiciae sp . nov . (strains TACP-2T and TACP-5) are proposed . Geobacter hydrogenophilus and Geobacter chapellei were isolated from a petroleum-contaminated aquifer and a pristine, deep, subsurface aquifer, respectively . Geobacter grbiciae was isolated from aquatic sediments . All of the isolates can obtain energy for growth by coupling the oxidation of acetate to the reduction of Fe(III) . The four isolates also coupled Fe(III) reduction to the oxidation of other simple, volatile fatty acids . In addition, Geobacter hydrogenophilus and Geobacter grbiciae were able to oxidize aromatic compounds such as benzoate, whilst Geobacter grbiciae was also able to use the monoaromatic hydrocarbon toluene.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2001 Mar, 51(Pt 2), 365 - 71
Desulfomonile limimaris sp . nov., an anaerobic dehalogenating bacterium from marine sediments; Sun B et al.; Strains DCB-MT and DCB-F were isolated from anaerobic 3-chlorobenzoate (3CB)-mineralizing cultures enriched from marine sediments . The isolates are large, Gram-negative rods with a collar girdling each cell . The isolates are obligate anaerobes capable of reductive dechlorination of 3CB to benzoate . Growth by chlororespiration in strain DCB-MT yielded 1.7 g protein mol(-1) 3CB dechlorinated with lactate as the electron donor . Strain DCB-MT also used fumarate, sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate and nitrate as physiological electron acceptors for growth, but grew poorly on sulfate and nitrate . Reductive dechlorination was inhibited completely by sulfite and thiosulfate but not by sulfate . Both strains were incapable of growth at NaCl concentrations below 0.32% (w/v) . They grew well at sea-water salt concentrations; however, the optimum growth rate was achieved at a NaCl concentration half that of sea water . The 16S rDNA sequence analysis shows strains DCB-MT and DCB-F to be 99% similar to each other and 93% similar to their closest relative, Desulfomonile tiedjei strain DCB-1T . Strain DCB-MT can also be distinguished from strain DCB-1T by its inability to use acetate for growth on 3CB and by its requirement for NaCl . The morphology, physiology and 16S rDNA sequences of DCB-MT and DCB-F suggest that these strains represent a new, marine-adapted species of the genus Desulfomonile, designated Desulfomonile limimaris sp . nov . The type strain is strain DCB-MT (= ATCC 700979T).

Med Pregl, 2000 Sep-Oct, 53(9-10), 463 - 74
{Free oxygen radiacals and kidney diseases--part I}; Sakac V et al.; ADVERSE EFFECTS OF OXYGEN: Adverse effect of oxygen on anaerobes implies oxidation of the basic cell constituents NAD(P)H, thiols, iron-sulphur proteins, pteridines and others) and inactivation of the essential components of the active site of enzymes . Oxygen can also adversely affect the aerobes, especially if long-term influence is taken into consideration, while exposition to high-pressure oxygen causes considerable damages . Direct influence of oxygen on aerobes due to slow and limited enzyme inactivation (for example glutamate decarboxylase) and small number of affected "targets" is not responsible for total adverse effects of oxygen . Even in 1954 it was supposed that oxygen free radicals are the most responsible for the adverse effects of oxygen . ATMOSPHERIC (TRIPLET) OXYGEN: Electron configuration of triplet oxygen explains its reactivity since it is a biradical . The reactions of oxygen with non-radicals are possible with participation of transition metals (except zinc), while its reactivity is much more expressed in case of reactions with other radical species . ACTIVE OXYGEN: More reactive forms of oxygen, known as singlet oxygen, can be generated by an input of energy to triplet oxygen . Singlet-oxygen is obtained mainly by photoexcitation in the presence of initiators (methylene blue, chlorophyll etc.) and as a product of reactions of ozone with certain biomolecules . REDUCED FORMS OF OXYGEN: If a single electron is added to the triplet oxygen, it must enter one of the antibonding molecular orbitals and produce the superoxide radical--(O2.-) . Addition of one more electron produces peroxide ion--O2(2-), which forms hydro peroxide in presence of H+, the most common two-electron reduction product of oxygen in biological systems . The four-reduction product of oxygen in biological systems is water . SUPEROXIDE RADICAL: The in vivo production of superoxide radical is possible in many different ways mentioned in this paper . This radical species is unstable in water solutions because of dismutation reaction leading to non-enzymic generation of hydroperoxide . The most reactive radical species--hydroxyl radical is produced from hydro peroxide by Fenton or Haber-Weiss reactions in the presence of catalytic transition metals (iron or copper) . HYDROXYL RADICAL: Hydroxyl radicals are the most reactive radical species . The way of their generation has been shown in detail in this paper with special emphasis given to Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions, that is, transition metals (iron and copper) as catalizators for these reactions . The reactivity of hydroxyl radical can be recognized by monitoring the second-order rate constants for reactions of the hydroxyl radical with some organic compounds in aqueous solution presented in this paper . Although the number of compounds that can be affected and damaged by hydroxyl radicals is great, until now, attention has been paid mostly to investigation of attacks of these radical species on lipids, proteins and DNA . LIPID PEROXIDATION: Radicals react with lipids and cause oxidative destruction of unsaturated, that is, polyunsaturated fatty acids, known as lipid peroxidation . Both lipids in biological systems and lipids as food constituents are submitted to this process . Lipid peroxidation is a chain reaction and its mechanism has been shown in detail in this paper . Lipid peroxidation in cells leads to direct damage of cell membranes with indirect damages of other cell constituents, caused by reactivity of secondary products of this reaction, aldehydes . This complex reaction is responsible for damages of many tissues and progress of some diseases (atherosclerosis) . OXIDATIVE STRESS: Protection of an organism from oxygen free radicals implies activity of enzymatic (catalase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase etc.) and nonenzymatic (vitamin E . vitamin C . glutathione, uric acid etc.) systems of protection . Disturbance of the balance between production of oxygen free radicals (or some other radical species) and activity of antioxidative system of protection causes the so called oxidative stress . An organism can tolerate a mild oxidative stress but a higher disturbance between the production of free radicals and the activity of the antioxidative protection results in lipid protein and DNA as well as numerous diseases.

Ann Dermatol Venereol, 2001 Mar, 128(3 Pt 2), 452 - 7
{Management of necrotizing cellulitis and fasciitis}; Derancourt C; A literature review did not reveal any controlled study on the management of necrotizing fasciitis . Treatment protocol includes: - an immediate or early surgical management with debridement of all necrotic tissue and extensive fasciotomy followed by a surgical reexamination of the infected area in the following days; - an initial antibiotic therapy targeting aerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms and anaerobes (e.g: amoxicilline-clavulanic acid or vancomycin-metronidazole); - an adequate nutritional support, infusion, and resuscitation; - hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered as an associated treatment; but there is no randomized, controlled trial demonstrating its efficacy.

Ann Dermatol Venereol, 2001 Mar, 128(3 Pt 2), 411 - 8
{Hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis}; Mathieu D; Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe often life threatening bacterial infection . There are 2 main reasons to use hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2): the polymorphism of the bacterial flora with a predominance of anaerobes, either strict or aerotolerant; and the tissular necrosis due to an extensive disseminated microvascular obstruction within the infected area . Association of HBO2 to antibiotics and surgery is based on strong pathophysiological findings as well as on evidences from animal studies . Clinical evidence in human is still lacking even if published data supports its use in severe cases . Controversy on its use as a treatment for NF is caused more by the difficulty to dispose of a hyperbaric equipment allowing for the management of a patient in critical state, than by doubt on its real efficiency.

J Clin Periodontol, 2001 Apr, 28(4), 311 - 8
Isolation and genotyping of black-pigmented anaerobes from periodontal sites of HIV-positive and non-infected subjects in Thailand; Teanpaisan R et al.; BACKGROUND, AIMS: The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of periodontitis, the prevalence of black-pigmented anaerobes and the genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia present in HIV-infected and control subjects in a heterosexual Thai population . METHOD: 50 AIDS patients and 50 control subjects were included in the study . Their periodontal condition was examined by assessment of bleeding on probing, attachment loss and probing depth, and presence of erythema around 6 teeth (16, 21, 24, 36, 41, 44) . Subgingival plaque was collected from the mesiobuccal sites of these teeth and was cultured anaerobically for black-pigmented bacteria . Species were characterised using biochemical profiles and total protein profiles . Genotyping of each isolate was performed using PCR techniques . RESULTS: There was little clinical evidence of HIV-associated periodontitis in the HIV-positive subjects and no difference was found in the prevalence or genotype distribution of black-pigmented anaerobes between HIV-infected and control subjects . CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest lack of severe periodontal destruction due to HIV-infection in Thailand and that these subjects are not colonised by more numerous or characteristic clones of certain putative periodontal pathogens.

Chemotherapy, 2001 May-Jun, 47(3), 203 - 7
The antibacterial effects of ornidazole on primary molars with infected pulps; Kargul B et al.; The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of a short-term topical application of ornidazole on anaerobic microorganisms . The antibacterial properties of such materials against organisms at infected primary root canals have not been well documented . Twenty infected primary molars in this study were treated using ornidazole (Biteral, Roche) . The bacterial contents of the roots were collected with sterile paper points before the application . Freshly mixed ornidazole and sterile saline were placed into the root canals . After 1 week, the bacterial contents of the root canals were collected again . Microbiological analyses were made . Based on our results, it appears that the antibacterial activity of ornidazole caused significant changes in rates of microorganisms (94.53% reduction) .

Magy Seb, 2000 Apr, 53(2), 79 - 84
{Effect of regional hypothermia on cerebrospinal fluid parameters during thoracoabdominal aorta clamping in dogs}; Dzsinich C et al.; The most feared complication of thoracoabdominal clamping is the paraplegia or paraparesis following ischemic injury of the spinal cord . Early intraoperative recognition of this complication has not been solved yet . In our earlier experiment we found significant alterations of CSF glucose, lactate, pCO2 and Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) levels during 60 minutes thoracoabdominal aortic clamping in dogs . The analysis of these parameters proved to be proper to follow metabolism of the spinal cord during this type of surgery . In our present paper we studied protective effect of regional hypothermia using peridural cooling by registration of above parameters . Statistical analysis of our data showed prevention of production of anaerobe metabolites in animals with icy peridural irrigation . The biochemical approach is appropriate for monitoring effectiveness of regional hypothermia of the spinal cord during aortic surgery.

Clin Microbiol Rev, 2001 Apr, 14(2), 244 - 69
Wound microbiology and associated approaches to wound management; Bowler PG et al.; The majority of dermal wounds are colonized with aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms that originate predominantly from mucosal surfaces such as those of the oral cavity and gut . The role and significance of microorganisms in wound healing has been debated for many years . While some experts consider the microbial density to be critical in predicting wound healing and infection, others consider the types of microorganisms to be of greater importance . However, these and other factors such as microbial synergy, the host immune response, and the quality of tissue must be considered collectively in assessing the probability of infection . Debate also exists regarding the value of wound sampling, the types of wounds that should be sampled, and the sampling technique required to generate the most meaningful data . In the laboratory, consideration must be given to the relevance of culturing polymicrobial specimens, the value in identifying one or more microorganisms, and the microorganisms that should be assayed for antibiotic susceptibility . Although appropriate systemic antibiotics are essential for the treatment of deteriorating, clinically infected wounds, debate exists regarding the relevance and use of antibiotics (systemic or topical) and antiseptics (topical) in the treatment of nonhealing wounds that have no clinical signs of infection . In providing a detailed analysis of wound microbiology, together with current opinion and controversies regarding wound assessment and treatment, this review has attempted to capture and address microbiological aspects that are critical to the successful management of microorganisms in wounds.

Hum Exp Toxicol, 2000 Dec, 19(12), 693 - 702
Evaluation of cot mattress inner foam as a potential site for microbial generation of toxic gases; Jenkins RO et al.; Recent reports of biovolatilisation of phosphorus and antimony by anaerobic bacteria and of leaching of phosphorus and antimony fire-retardant additives from PVC cot mattress covers, indicate that the polyurethane inner-foam of cot mattresses could be a site for generation of toxic gases of group 15 elements . A toxic gas hypothesis for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) involving polyurethane foam of cot mattresses was proposed and tested experimentally . Levels of antimony, phosphorus, arsenic and bismuth were determined at four sites for 44 SIDS and 50 control (no death) cot mattress foams . There was no evidence to suggest that the levels of these elements in cot mattress foam have a causal relation to SIDS . Leaching of antimony trioxide from PVC mattress covers could account for detectable levels of this element in 52% of the cot mattress samples analysed . Volatile forms of antimony, phosphorus, arsenic and bismuth was not detected in the headspace of mixed or monoseptic cultures of anaerobic bacteria containing polyurethane foam . Past microbial activity had given rise to involatile methylated species of antimony in some of the cot mattress foams tested (61%, n = 24) . Abiotic oxidation of biogenic trimethylantimony together with physical adsorption of methylantimony forms to the polyurethane foam matrix could account for the apparent absence of "escaped" volatile antimony species in culture headspaces of incubation vial . There was no evidence to suggest that levels of trimethylantimony or total methylantimony forms in cot mattress foams have a causal relation to SIDS.

Cell Mol Life Sci, 2001 Feb, 58(2), 179 - 93
The coordination and function of the redox centres of the membrane-bound nitrate reductases; Blasco F et al.; Under anaerobic conditions and in the presence of nitrate, the facultative anaerobe Escherichia coli synthesises an electron-transport chain comprising a primary dehydrogenase and the terminal membrane-bound nitrate reductase A (NarGHI) . This review focuses on recent advances obtained on the structure and function of the three protein subunits of membrane-bound nitrate reductases . We discuss a global architecture for the Mo-bisMGD-containing subunit (NarG) and a coordination model for the four {Fe-S} centres of the electron-transfer subunit (NarH) and for the two b-type haems of the anchor subunit NarI.

Nephrologie, 2001, 22(1), 21 - 3
{Actinomycosis after renal transplantation: apropos of 1 case and review of the literature}; Kammoun K et al.; Actinomycosis is a suppurative infection usually due to a facultative anaerobic bacteria, actinomyces israelii . This rare infection has been reported in immunocompetent individuals, with buccal or pharyngeal mucosal erosions . Paradoxically, few cases have been observed after solid organ transplantation: 2 cases after lung, 1 case after heart-lung transplantation and 1 case after renal transplantation . We report on a renal transplant recipient who developed a tongue and oropharynx suppurative abscess, looking like an epithelioma . Histological examination showed granulomatous inflammation with an angiofibroblastic reaction; few colonies of actinomyces were also observed by the pathologist . This lesion disappeared easily and totally after tetracycline treatment.

Bioresour Technol, 2001 Apr, 77(2), 163 - 70
Constitutive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes by a methanol degrading methanogenic consortium; van Eekert MH et al.; The ability of granular methanogenic sludge to dechlorinate chloroethenes was investigated with unadapted sludge from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor fed with methanol . The sludge degraded chlorinated ethenes, but the degradation rates were low . The addition of primary substrate was necessary to sustain dechlorination . The dechlorinating activity seemed to be constitutively present in the anaerobic bacteria . Usually, one chlorine atom was removed via reductive hydrogenolysis . Only trichloroethene (TCE) was converted to substantial amounts of vinylchloride (VC) . 1,1-Dichloroethene (1,1DCE) was observed to be an important intermediate in the dechlorination by unadapted granular sludge, although previously this compound had not been commonly observed . Furthermore, the dechlorination of 1,1DCE was faster than the dechlorination of the other chloroethenes.

J Biol Chem, 2001 Mar 30, 276(13), 9587 - 9 Epub 2001 Feb 02.
Activation of class III ribonucleotide reductase by thioredoxin; Padovani D et al.; Anaerobic ribonucleotide reductase provides facultative and obligate anaerobic microorganisms with the deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates used for DNA chain elongation and repair . In Escherichia coli, the dimeric alpha2 enzyme contains, in its active form, a glycyl radical essential for the reduction of the substrate . The introduction of the glycyl radical results from the reductive cleavage of S-adenosylmethionine catalyzed by the reduced (4Fe-4S) center of a small activating protein called beta . This activation reaction has long been known to have an absolute requirement for dithiothreitol . Here, we report that thioredoxin, along with NADPH and NADPH:thioredoxin oxidoreductase, efficiently replaces dithiothreitol and reduces an unsuspected critical disulfide bond probably located on the C terminus of the alpha protein . Activation of reduced alpha protein does not require dithiothreitol or thioredoxin anymore, and activation rates are much faster than previously reported . Thus, in E . coli, thioredoxin has very different roles for class I ribonucleotide reductase where it is required for the substrate turnover and class III ribonucleotide reductase where it acts only for the activation of the enzyme.

Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi, 1998 Oct, 12(10), 460 - 2
{Cervical necrotizing fasciitis}; Ye X et al.; Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe fatal soft tissue infection characterized by necrosis of fascia . It was caused by polymicrobial infections with aerobe and anaerobe . Although it commonly involved abdomen, extremities and perineum, it might also occur in head and neck . One case of CNF arising from pharyngolaryngitis was reported . A review of the literature with the clinical presentations, bacteriology, diagnosis and treatment was presented . The key to successful management is early recognition, broad-spectrum antibiotics and prompt aggressive surgical intervention with medical support and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Arch Inst Pasteur Alger, 1998, 62, 112 - 6
{Pre-reduced TGY-V medium}; Ghemati M et al.; Anaerobic bacteria need, for its multiplication, a reduce middle devoid of oxygen, who contains growth factors . We have prepared the prereduce middle TGY-V according to the recommendations of M . SEBALD {1} . This middle has been tested for its ability to permit the growth of the most exigent anaerobic bacteria . It could be used as a middle of transport and culture for any monomicrobial sampling that can contain anaerobic bacteria.

Infect Immun, 2001 Apr, 69(4), 2700 - 7
Intracellular Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in buccal epithelial cells collected from human subjects; Rudney JD et al.; The mouth may provide an accessible model for studying bacterial interactions with human cells in vivo . Using fluorescent in situ hybridization and laser scanning confocal microscopy, we found that human buccal epithelial cells from 23 of 24 subjects were infected with intracellular bacteria, including the periodontal pathogens Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, as well as other species which have yet to be identified . Buccal cell invasion may allow fastidious anaerobes to establish themselves in aerobic sites that otherwise present an unfavorable environment . Exfoliated buccal epithelial cells might provide a protected route for bacterial transmission between different oral sites within and between hosts.

Infect Immun, 2001 Apr, 69(4), 2277 - 85
Different subsets of enteric bacteria induce and perpetuate experimental colitis in rats and mice; Rath HC et al.; Resident bacteria are incriminated in the pathogenesis of experimental colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases . We investigated the relative roles of various enteric bacteria populations in the induction and perpetuation of experimental colitis . HLA-B27 transgenic rats received antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, or vancomycin-imipenem) in drinking water or water alone in either prevention or treatment protocols . Mice were treated similarly with metronidazole or vancomycin-imipenem before or after receiving 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) . Germfree transgenic rats were colonized with specific-pathogen-free enteric bacteria grown overnight either in anaerobic or aerobic atmospheres . Nontransgenic rats colonized with anaerobic bacteria served as negative controls . Although preventive metronidazole significantly attenuated colitis in transgenic rats and DSS-treated mice, it had no therapeutic benefit once colitis was established . Ciprofloxacin also partially prevented but did not treat colitis in B27 transgenic rats . In both animal models vancomycin-imipenem most effectively prevented and treated colitis . Germfree transgenic rats reconstituted with enteric bacteria grown under anaerobic conditions had more aggressive colitis than those associated with aerobic bacteria . These results suggest that a subset of resident luminal bacteria induces colitis, but that a complex interaction of commensal aerobic and anaerobic bacteria provides the constant antigenic drive for chronic immune-mediated colonic inflammation.

J Endocrinol, 2001 Apr, 169(1), 97 - 110
Effects of sodium butyrate on expression of members of the IGF-binding protein superfamily in human mammary epithelial cells; Tsubaki J et al.; Dietary factors play an important role in both the development and prevention of human cancers, including breast carcinoma . One dietary micronutrient, sodium butyrate (NaB), is a major end product of dietary starch and fiber, produced naturally during digestion by anaerobic bacteria in the cecum and colon . NaB is a potent growth inhibitor and initiates cell differentiation for many cell types in vitro . In this study, we investigated the effects of NaB on three human mammary epithelial cells and regulation of the IGF axis, specifically, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), a known growth regulator in human mammary cells, and IGFBP-related protein 2 (IGFBP-rP2)/connective tissue growth factor . NaB inhibited DNA synthesis, as measured by {3H}thymidine incorporation, in estrogen-responsive (MCF-7) and estrogen-non-responsive (Hs578T) breast cancer cells, and normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) to a similar degree (up to 90% inhibition at 1-10 mM concentrations) . Treatment of cells with NaB induced histone hyperacetylation, suggesting that NaB exerts its biological effects, at least in part, as a histone deacetylase inhibitor in mammary epithelial cells . Treatment of Hs578T cells with NaB caused an induction of apoptotic cell death . NaB treatment resulted in increased levels of p21(Waf1/Cip1) mRNA and protein in Hs578T cells and distinct upregulation of p27(Kip1) in HMEC, suggesting that NaB activates different genes involved in cell cycle arrest, depending upon the cell type . In the same context, among the IGFBP superfamily members tested, NaB specifically upregulated the expression of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-rP2 . These two proteins are known to be involved in inhibition of mammary epithelial cell replication . Northern blot analysis showed that NaB treatment at 1-10 mM concentrations caused a dose-dependent stimulation of IGFBP-3 mRNA expression in cancerous cells and IGFBP-rP2 mRNA expression in both cancerous and non-cancerous cells . Protein data from Western ligand blot and immunoblot analyses demonstrated parallel results . In summary, we have demonstrated that NaB (i) uniformly suppresses DNA synthesis in both cancerous and non-cancerous mammary cells, and (ii) upregulates IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-rP2 mRNA and protein levels in cancerous and non-cancerous mammary cells . These results provide the first demonstration that butyrate regulates the IGFBP system in the human mammary system.

Clin Infect Dis, 2001 Mar 15, 32 Suppl 1, S64 - 71
Clinical perspectives on new antimicrobials: focus on fluoroquinolones; Talan DA; Respiratory tract infections are the most common infectious presentation in the community and hospital settings and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide . Recently, newer fluoroquinolones have been recommended for the treatment of these infections . Among them, moxifloxacin shows improved activity against gram-positive pathogens, has maintained potency against gram-negative organisms, and shows activity against atypical pathogens and anaerobes . Moxifloxacin also has excellent in vitro activity against strains resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, and other fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin . Moxifloxacin has demonstrated clinical efficacy rates of 90%-95% in clinical trials in community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and acute sinusitis . In these trials, moxifloxacin demonstrated no serious or unexpected adverse effects . Development of resistance appears to be slower for moxifloxacin than for several other fluoroquinolones, making moxifloxacin a good treatment choice . The pharmacodynamics of moxifloxacin support once-daily oral therapy of short duration, providing convenience, compliance, and safety advantages.

Eur J Biochem, 2001 Mar, 268(6), 1585 - 95
SUT1 is a putative Zn{II}2Cys6-transcription factor whose upregulation enhances both sterol uptake and synthesis in aerobically growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells; Ness F et al.; Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a facultative anaerobe whose growth upon oxygen starvation depends on its capacity to import exogenously supplied sterols, whereas the cells are not permeable to these molecules when grown aerobically . Few genes have been identified as being involved in sterol uptake . A higher SUT1 gene dosage leads to a modest, but significant, increase in sterol uptake under aerobic conditions . Based on sequence and physiological data, SUT1 is a hypoxic gene negatively regulated when the cells are grown in the presence of oxygen . We replaced the SUT1 promoter with the constitutive PMA1 gene promoter in order to enhance its transcription . We observed that sterol uptake was then comparable with that obtained with a sterol importing hem1 mutant, although the heme status of the strain was not modified in a process which still occurs when the cells are not growing . Unexpectedly, SUT1 constitutive expression led to a parallel significant increase in endogenous sterol biosynthesis . Moreover, here we present new data showing that the structurally related YPR009 gene (SUT2) is a functional homologue of SUT1, and that both gene products may represent two novel yeast regulatory proteins involved in sterol uptake.

Mikrobiol Z, 2000 Nov-Dec, 62(6), 57 - 9
{Modification of the Hungate vessel for cultivation of facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria}; Chernyshenko DV; Modified Hungate vessel made of native penicillinum bottles and chemical vessels has been created and experimentally studied . The vessels can be used for cultivation of facultative and obligate anaerobe microorganisms on liquid and solid nutrient media . Locking devices of the vessel are described.

FEBS Lett, 2001 Jan 26, 489(1), 8 - 13
NMR structure of the haem core of a novel tetrahaem cytochrome isolated from Shewanella frigidimarina: identification of the haem-specific axial ligands and order of oxidation; Pessanha M et al.; The tetrahaem cytochrome isolated during anaerobic growth of Shewanella frigidimarina NCIMB400 is a small protein (86 residues) involved in electron transfer to Fe(III), which can be used as a terminal respiratory oxidant by this bacterium . A 3D solution structure model of the reduced form of the cytochrome has been determined using NMR data in order to determine the relative orientation of the haems . The haem core architecture of S . frigidimarina tetrahaem cytochrome differs from that found in all small tetrahaem cytochromes c(3) so far isolated from strict anaerobes, but has some similarity to the N-terminal cytochrome domain of flavocytochrome c(3) isolated from the same bacterium . NMR signals obtained for the four haems of S . frigidimarina tetrahaem cytochrome at all stages of oxidation were cross-assigned to the solution structure using the complete network of chemical exchange connectivities . Thus, the order in which each haem in the structure becomes oxidised was determined.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2001 Feb, 184(3), 459 - 62
The relationship between oligohydramnios and the onset of preterm labor in preterm premature rupture of membranes; Park JS et al.; OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether a reduced amniotic fluid volume was associated with the onset of preterm parturition in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes . STUDY DESIGN: An amniotic fluid index was determined before transabdominal amniocentesis in 129 patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (gestational age < or = 35 weeks) . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as for mycoplasmas . Survival techniques were used for analysis . RESULTS: Amniotic fluid index was < or = 5 cm in 29% of patients (38/129) . Patients with an amniotic fluid index of < or = 5 cm had a significantly higher rate of positive amniotic fluid culture than those with an amniotic fluid index of >5 cm (42% {16/38} vs 18% {16/91}; P<.01) . Spontaneous preterm delivery within 24 hours and 48 hours was more frequent among patients with an amniotic fluid index of < or = 5 cm than those with an amniotic fluid index of >5 cm (for 24 hours, 29% vs 12%; for 48 hours, 42% vs 21%; P<.05 for each) . The amniocentesis-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter in patients with an amniotic fluid index of < or = 5 cm than in patients with an amniotic fluid index of >5 cm (median, 38 hours; range, 0.2-1310 hours; vs median, 100 hours; range 0.1-2917 hours; P<.01) . Moreover, Cox proportional hazards model analysis indicated that an amniotic fluid index of < or = 5 cm was a significant predictor of the duration of the pregnancy after adjustment for gestational age and the results of amniotic fluid culture (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-3.9; P<.001) . CONCLUSION: Patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes and an amniotic fluid index of < or = 5 cm are at increased risk for a shorter interval to delivery.

J Biochem (Tokyo), 2001 Mar, 129(3), 357 - 64
Cloning and expression of the catalase gene from the anaerobic bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F); Kitamura M et al.; We identified a gene encoding a catalase from the anaerobic bacteria Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F), and the expression of its gene in Escherichia coli . The 3.3-kbp DNA fragment isolated from D . vulgaris (Miyazaki F) by double digestion with EcoRI and SalI was found to produce a protein that binds protoheme IX as a prosthetic group in E . coli . This DNA fragment contained a putative open reading frame (Kat) and one part of another open reading frame (ORF-1) . The amino acid sequence of the amino terminus of the protein purified from the transformed cells was consistent with that deduced from the nucleotide sequence of Kat in the cloned fragment of D . vulgaris (Miyazaki F) DNA, which may include promoter and regulatory sequences . The nucleotide sequence of Kat indicates that the protein is composed of 479 amino acids per monomer . The recombinant catalase was found to be active in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, as are other catalases from aerobic organisms, but its K(m) value was much greater . The hydrogen peroxide stress against D . vulgaris (Miyazaki F) induced the activity for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide somewhat, so the catalase gene may not work effectively in vivo.

Indian J Pathol Microbiol, 2000 Jul, 43(3), 281 - 4
In vitro susceptibility testing of nonsporing anaerobes to ten antimicrobial agents; Rao PS et al.; Antibiotic susceptibility was performed on sixty clinical isolates of nonsporing anaerobes against ten antimicrobial agents . The test was performed on Muller Hinton Agar and Wilkins Chalgren blood agar by preparing suspension of freshly isolated colonies in BHI broth . Apart from Metronidazole and Chloramphenicol newer antibiotics like Minocycline, Secnidazole, Tinidazole, Clarithromycin, Roxithromycin were also tried . Antimicrobial agents like Metronidazole, Secnidazole, Tinidazole and Minocycline were 100% sensitive, followed by Chloramphenicol, Clarithromycin and Roxithromycin . These newer agents can be good alternatives for the treatment of non sporing anaerobes.

Indian J Pathol Microbiol, 2000 Apr, 43(2), 139 - 42
In vitro susceptibility testing of nonsporing anaerobes to ten antimicrobial agents; Rao PS et al.; Antibiotic Susceptibility was performed on sixty clinical isolates of nonsporing anaerobes against ten antimicrobial agents . The test was performed on Muller Hinton Agar and Wilkins Chalgren blood agar by preparing suspension of freshly isolated colonies in BHI broth . Apart from Metronidazole and Chloramphenicol newer antibiotics like Minocycline, Secnidazole, Tinidazole, Clarithromycin, Roxithromycin were also tried . Antimicrobial agents like metronidazole, Secnidazole, Tinidazole and Minocycline were 100% sensitive, followed by Chloramphenicol, Clarithromycin and Roxithromycin . These newer agents can be good alternatives for the treatment of non sporing anaerobes.

J Reprod Med, 2001 Jan, 46(1), 49 - 53
Acute exacerbation of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease . Laparoscopic findings in 141 women with a clinical diagnosis; Cibula D et al.; OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and to determine the positive and negative predictive value of laboratory tests for the diagnosis of PID . STUDY DESIGN: According to a prospective study design, 141 consecutively hospitalized patients with the clinical diagnosis of PID were evaluated . The basic inclusion criterion was a history of at least one episode of PID . Standard laboratory tests were performed, specimens for aerobic and anaerobic culture and for Chlamydia trachomatis isolation were obtained, and temperature was regularly monitored . All patients underwent laparoscopy under general anesthesia within 24 hours of admission . RESULTS: The clinical diagnosis of PID was confirmed by laparoscopy in 30% of patients . In almost one-third of patients, at laparoscopy the pelvic organs were within normal limits . Adhesions without signs of PID were found in 16% . The third-most-frequent finding was endometriosis (14%) . Neither the individual monitored parameters nor their combination reached satisfactory positive and negative predictive values for diagnosing PID . CONCLUSION: Recurrent clinical symptoms and laboratory signs of PID should be an indication for confirming or excluding the clinical diagnosis by laparoscopy.

J Endod, 2000 Jul, 26(7), 410 - 3
Anaerobic bacterial extracts influence production of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors by human dental pulp cells; Nakata K et al.; The role of human dental pulp (HDP) cells in extracellular matrix degradation in pulpitis is still unclear . In this study, the effects of sonicated bacterial extracts (SBEs) from Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas endodontalis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis on the balance between the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and that of their inhibitors {tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)} by HDP cells were examined . HDP cells were treated with SBEs, and their culture media were later harvested . MMP activities and TIMP concentrations were determined by use of independent measurement strategies and sensitive ELISAs . The production of MMP-1 and MMP-2 was accelerated by all SBE . On the other hand, TIMP-1 production was slightly elevated; and TIMP-2 production was markedly inhibited by all of the extracts . SBEs derived from these anaerobic bacteria seemed to affect the acceleration of extracellular matrix degradation activity by HDP cells . These findings suggest that HDP cells stimulated by bacterial byproducts may be involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1997 Dec, 37(6), 477 - 9
{Effect of butachlor on CH4 emission and anaerobes in paddy soil}; Zhao Y et al.; Effects of butachlor on CH4 emission and the count of anaerobes in paddy soil or in the media were studied . The results obtained showed that CH4 emission and growth of methanogens would be greatly affected at field rates of butachlor within 2 weeks, but this adverse effects would disappear as time went on . CH4 emission and methanogenic activities would be retarded by butachlor in media for longer time . The amount of butachlor available to act upon anaerobes depended on application rate and method of application.

Med Sci Monit, 2000 May-Jun, 6(3), 605 - 10
Blood cultures evaluation by gas chromatography of volatile fatty acids; Julak J et al.; The volatile fatty acid profiles were determined by a simple gas chromatographic method in 375 microbiologically positive and negative blood cultures . Aerobic bacteria yielded profiles with low content of acids, some of which were chromatographically negative . Anaerobic bacteria produced more acids and more distinctive profiles . The method makes it possible to confirm the microbiological findings and to select the blood cultures containing anaerobic bacteria within 30 minutes.

Environ Microbiol, 1999 Aug, 1(4), 319 - 29
Reduction of (per)chlorate by a novel organism isolated from paper mill waste; Bruce RA et al.; As part of a study on the microbiology of chlorate reduction, several new dissimilatory chlorate-reducing bacteria were isolated from a broad diversity of environments . One of these, strain CKB, was selected for a more complete characterization . Strain CKB was enriched and isolated from paper mill waste with acetate as the sole electron donor and chlorate as the sole electron acceptor . Strain CKB is a completely oxidizing, non-fermentative, Gram-negative, facultative anaerobe . Cells of strain CKB are 0.5 x 2 microm and are highly motile, with a single polar flagellum . In addition to acetate, strain CKB can use propionate, butyrate, lactate, succinate, fumarate, malate or yeast extract as electron donors, with chlorate as the sole electron acceptor . Strain CKB can also couple chlorate reduction to the oxidation of ferrous iron, sulphide, or the reduced form of the humic substances analogue 2,6-anthrahydroquinone disulphonate . Fe(II) is oxidized to insoluble amorphous Fe(II) oxide, whereas sulphide is oxidized to elemental sulphur . Growth is not associated with this metabolism, even when small quantities of acetate are added as a potential carbon source . In addition to chlorate, strain CKB can also couple acetate oxidation to the reduction of oxygen or perchlorate . Chlorate is completely reduced to chloride . Strain CKB has an optimum temperature of 35 degrees C, a pH optimum of 7.5 and a salinity optimum of 1% NaCl . Strain CKB can grow in chlorate and perchlorate concentrations of 80 or 20 mM respectively . Under anaerobic conditions, strain CKB can dismutate chlorite into chloride and O2, and is only the second organism shown to be capable of this metabolism . Oxidized minus reduced spectra of whole-cell suspensions of strain CKB showed absorbance maxima at 423, 523 and 552nm, which are indicative of the presence of c-type cytochrome(s) . Analysis of the complete sequence of the 16S rDNA indicates that strain CKB is a member of the beta subclass of the Proteobacteria . The phototroph Rhodocyclus tenuis is the closest known relative . When tested, strain CKB could not grow by phototrophy and did not contain bacteriochlorophyll . Phenotypically and phylogenetically, strain CKB differs from all other described bacteria and represents the type strain of a new genus and species.

Mol Microbiol, 2001 Feb, 39(3), 722 - 30
MtrC, an outer membrane decahaem c cytochrome required for metal reduction in Shewanella putrefaciens MR-1; Beliaev AS et al.; Shewanella putrefaciens is a facultative anaerobe that can use metal oxides as terminal electron acceptors during anaerobic respiration . Two proteins, MtrB and Cct, have been identified that are specifically involved in metal reduction . Analysis of S . putrefaciens mutants deficient in metal reduction led to the identification of two additional proteins that are involved in this process . MtrA is a periplasmic decahaem c-type cytochrome that appears to be part of the electron transport chain, which leads to Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction . MtrC is an outer membrane decahaem c-type cytochrome that appears to be required for the activity of the terminal Fe(III) reductase . Membrane fractions of mutants deficient in MtrC exhibited a decreased level of Fe(III) reduction compared with the wild type . We suggest that MtrC may be a component of the terminal reductase or may be required for its assembly.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2001 Feb 5, 195(1), 97 - 102
Molecular evidence for the aerobic expression of nifJ, encoding pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, in cyanobacteria; Schmitz O et al.; Pyruvate:ferredoxin (flavodoxin) oxidoreductase (PFO, EC 1.2.7.1) catalyses the oxidative cleavage of pyruvate and coenzyme A to acetylcoenzyme A and CO2 with the simultaneous reduction of ferredoxin or flavodoxin . PFO occurs in anaerobes and in some aerobic archaea and bacteria . For cyanobacteria, activity measurements indicated the occurrence of PFO in heterocystous forms . The completely sequenced genomes of the unicellular Synechocystis sp . PCC 6803 and the heterocystous Anabaena sp . PCC 7120 and Nostoc punctiforme revealed the existence of one PFO (encoded by nifJ) in Synechocystis 6803 and N . punctiforme but two different PFOs, encoded by nifJ1 and nifJ2, in Anabaena . Sequence comparison now indicates that all cyanobacterial PFOs are more closely related to those of anaerobes than to those of aerobes . Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments show that nifJ is transcribed in the presence of saturating iron concentrations in aerobically grown cells of the unicellular Synechococcus sp . PCC 6301 and Synechocystis 6803 . Both nifJ genes are transcribed in aerobically grown Anabaena 7120 . These findings are corroborated by luciferase reporter gene analysis of nifJ in Synechococcus sp . PCC 7942 . The occurrence of PFO in these cyanobacteria is enigmatic.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2001 Feb, 45(2), 589 - 92
Comparative antianaerobic activity of BMS 284756; Hoellman DB et al.; Agar dilution MIC methodology was used to compare the activity of BMS 284756 with those of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, trovafloxacin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, clindamycin, and metronidazole against 357 anaerobes . Overall, the respective MICs at which 50% of the isolates tested were inhibited (MIC(50)s) and MIC(90)s (in micrograms per milliliter) were as follows: BMS 284756, 0.5 and 2.0; ciprofloxacin, 2.0 and 16.0; levofloxacin, 1.0 and 8.0; moxifloxacin, 0.5 and 4.0; trovafloxacin, 0.5 and 2.0; amoxicillin-clavulanate, 0.5 and 2.0; piperacillin-tazobactam, 0.25 and 8.0; imipenem, 0.06 and 1.0; clindamycin, 0.25 and 8.0; and metronidazole, 1.0 and >16.0 . BMS 284756 is a promising new quinolone with excellent antianaerobic activity.

J Periodontol, 2000 Dec, 71(12), 1862 - 73
The clinical and microbiological effects of systemic ornidazole in sites with and without subgingival debridement in early-onset periodontitis patients; Kamma JJ et al.; BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of systemic ornidazole (ORN) in sites with or without subgingival debridement in early-onset periodontitis (EOP) patients . METHODS: Two pooled bacterial samples consisting of 4 sites each (scaled and non-scaled sites) were obtained from 30 individuals exhibiting EOP . All patients received oral hygiene instruction (OHI), supragingival scaling and ORN . Subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) was carried out only in scaled sites . Bacterial samples were taken at baseline (BL) and 1 week and 2, 6, and 12 months after systemic ornidazole administration (500 mg/bid for 7 days) . One more sample was taken at scaled sites, one week after SRP . RESULTS: One week following SRP (scaled sites) Gram-negative facultative and anaerobic rods were significantly reduced while Gram-positive facultative cocci were significantly increased . After ORN administration, P . gingivalis, P . denticola, P . intermedia, B . forsythus, C . rectus, and S . sputigena were no longer detectable in either scaled or non-scaled sites . A statistically significant long-term (2, 6, and 12 months) reduction of P . gingivalis, P . intermedia, P . loescheii, B . forsythus, and C . rectus and a pronounced increase of S . milleri, S . oralis, and S . sanguis counts in both scaled and non-scaled sites were detected in comparison to baseline . A sustained reduction of bleeding tendency and of probing depth was also observed in both scaled and non-scaled sites . CONCLUSIONS: ORN combined with SRP effects beneficial shifts in the bacterial population associated with substantial clinical improvement, thereby indicating that ORN is effective adjunct in the treatment of EOP deep periodontal pockets where anaerobic bacteria are predominant.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2000 Nov, 50 Pt 6, 2001 - 8
Acidilobus aceticus gen . nov., sp . nov., a novel anaerobic thermoacidophilic archaeon from continental hot vents in Kamchatka; Prokofeva MI et al.; New thermoacidophilic organisms that were able to grow anaerobically on starch were isolated from the acidic hot springs of Kamchatka . Strain 1904T, isolated from a hot spring of the Moutnovski volcano, was characterized in detail . Its cells were regular or irregular cocci that were 1-2 microm in diameter, non-motile, and had a cell envelope consisting of one layer of subunits . The new organism was a hyperthermophile, growing in the temperature range 60-92 degrees C (with an optimum at 85 degrees C), an acidophile, having the pH range for growth of 2.0-6.0 (with an optimum at 3.8), and an obligate anaerobe . It fermented starch, forming acetate as the main growth product . Other growth substrates were yeast extract, beef extract and soya extract . Growth on yeast extract, beef extract and soya extract was stimulated by elemental sulfur, which was reduced to H2S . Acetate, arabinose, cellulose, formate, fructose, galactose, glucose, glycine, guar gum, lichenan, malate, maltose, methanol, pectin, pyruvate, propionate, xylan, xylose or a mixture of amino acids failed to support growth both in the presence and the absence of sulfur . When starch was used as the growth substrate, yeast extract (100 mg l(-1)) was required as a growth factor . The G+C content of the DNA was found to be 53.8 mol% . Comparison of the complete 16S rDNA sequence with databases revealed that the new isolate belonged to the kingdom Crenarchaeota . It was not closely related to any described genera (showing sequence similarity below 90.8%) and formed a separate branch of the Crenarchaeota . On the basis of physiological differences and rRNA sequence data, a new genus--Acidilobus--is proposed, the type species being Acidilobus aceticus strain 1904T (= DSM 11585T).

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2000 Dec, 15(6), 365 - 70
Growth stimulation of Porphyromonas endodontalis by hemoglobin and protoporphyrin IX; Zerr MA et al.; Porphyromonas endodontalis, like other Porphyromonas species, has a complex set of nutritional requirements . In addition to being an obligate anaerobe, the bacterium must be grown in a complex medium consisting of amino acids, reducing agents and heme compounds . P . endodontalis accumulates high concentrations of heme pigments to the extent that colonies appear black on blood agar . This accumulation of heme and the need for these compounds has been characterized as iron requirements by these species . However, in our studies, P . endodontalis demonstrated growth dependence on hemoglobin or protoporphyrin IX but not on free iron . Iron added to other heme compounds actually decreased growth stimulation by porphyrin-containing compounds . P . endodontalis actively transported free iron, but this process did not appear to be critical for growth . The maximum stimulation of growth by protoporphyrin IX, under conditions of iron deprivation, suggests that P . endodontalis requires the porphyrin moiety as a growth factor.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2000 Aug, 15(4), 269 - 72
Importance of Dialister pneumosintes in human periodontitis; Contreras A et al.; Anaerobic bacteria play important roles in the pathogenesis of human periodontitis . This study examined the relationship between a potentially new periodontopathic bacterium Dialister pneumosintes and periodontal disease . A total of 73 women and 62 men aged 18 to 86 years participated in the study . Using a 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction identification method, the presence of D . pneumosintes was determined in paper-point samples from periodontal pockets of 105 periodontitis and 30 gingivitis patients . D . pneumosintes was detected in 83% of patients having severe periodontitis and in 19% of patients having slight periodontitis . We suggest adding D . pneumosintes to the group of suspected periodontal pathogens.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2001 Jan 1, 218(1), 48 - 51
Comparison of the bacterial flora of the duodenum in healthy cats and cats with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease; Johnston KL et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a colony environment predisposes healthy cats to high bacterial counts, including counts of obligate anaerobes, in the duodenum and whether increased numbers of bacteria could be found in the duodenum of cats with signs of chronic gastrointestinal tract disease . DESIGN: Prospective study . ANIMALS: 20 healthy control cats (10 from a colony environment and 10 pet cats) and 19 cats with a history of chronic gastrointestinal tract disease . PROCEDURE: Undiluted duodenal fluid was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed by bacteriologic culture under aerobic and anaerobic conditions . Serum concentrations of cobalamin and folate were also measured . RESULTS: Significant differences were not detected in the numbers of bacteria found in the duodenum of cats housed in a colony environment, compared with pet cats fed an identical diet prior to sampling . All healthy cats were, therefore, combined into 1 control group . Compared with healthy cats, cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal tract disease had significantly lower counts of microaerophilic bacteria, whereas total, anaerobic, and aerobic bacterial counts were not significantly different . None of the cats with disease had total bacterial counts higher than expected from the range established in the control cats . Differences were not detected in regard to serum folate or cobalamin concentrations between diseased and healthy cats . CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings indicated that healthy colony cats and pet cats have high numbers of bacteria in the duodenum, including high numbers of obligate anaerobes . Our findings also suggest that bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is not a common clinical syndrome in cats with chronic nonobstructive gastrointestinal tract disease.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 2000, Suppl 125, 14S - 16S
{Does antibiotic therapy hinder the course of peritonsillar abscesses?}; Briner HR; INTRODUCTION: Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) is a complication of acute bacterial tonsillitis . In a prospective study, the influence of antibiotic therapy on the clinical course in patients with quinsy was analysed . METHOD: History and clinical signs in patients with quinsy referred to our hospital were assessed by a structured questionnaire . Pus was cultured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions . RESULTS: 40 patients were enrolled in the study, 18 of whom (45%) were treated with antibiotics prior to admission . There was no significant difference in history and clinical signs between the patients with antibiotics and the group without . The microbiological results showed a dominant role of anaerobic bacteria without significant difference between the two groups of patients . DISCUSSION: Antibiotic therapy did not prevent the occurrence of peritonsillar abscess in 45% of our patients and had no influence on the clinical course of the disease . A possible reason for these findings is that the onset of antibiotic therapy was too late in the disease process, or, in some cases, that an antibiotic drug with an inadequate antimicrobiological spectrum was chosen.

J Clin Periodontol, 2000 Dec, 27(12), 943 - 50
Sulfate-reducing bacteria in association with human periodontitis; Langendijk PS et al.; BACKGROUND, AIMS: Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) may be etiologically involved in destructive periodontal diseases . These strictly anaerobic bacteria utilize fermentation products for energy conservation by reduction of sulfate to sulfide . This toxic product can accumulate in periodontal pockets in concentrations causing cellular destruction . SRB depend on an actively degrading microbiota to produce a reduced environment, fermentation products and sulfate . The detection frequency of these bacteria is strongly increased in periodontitis compared with healthy sites in the oral cavity . METHOD: In this study, the presence of SRB was determined in relation to clinical features of the patients and to site-specific clinical parameters of periodontitis, such as pocket depth, bleeding and attachment level . Patients with clinical characteristics of severe periodontitis (n=87) were included in the study, 78 were untreated patients and 9 patients were in maintenance care after treatment . Samples were taken (n=261) from the deepest periodontal pockets, and presence of SRB was determined by enrichment culture in an anoxic chamber . RESULTS: In 64% of the patients, SRB were present in at least 1 pocket . They occurred among patients from 23 to 57 years old, and tended to prevail among patients older than 30 years . There was a tendency to increased SRB occurrence among patients with more than 50% of bleeding sites, or with several angular bony defects or furcations . In 44% of the periodontal pockets SRB were present . They tended to prevail in pockets showing bleeding on probing, furcations, angular bony defects, or an endodontal complication . Presence of SRB was positively correlated with increased pocket depth (p<0.05) . SRB were found to be associated with various clinical categories of periodontitis, including early onset periodontitis, rapidly progressive periodontitis, adult periodontitis, and refractory periodontitis . Although SRB predominated among patients with an adult form of periodontitis, i.e., with an occurrence of 72%, there was no significant correlation with age of the patient . Among treated patients under maintenance care, SRB prevalence was significantly reduced in comparison with untreated patients (p<0.02) . Occurrence of SRB in periodontal pockets showed an odds ratio of 11.2 in comparison with healthy oral sites . CONCLUSION: Periodontal sulfate-reducing bacteria are associated with several clinical categories of periodontitis and with periodontal sites of increased pocket depth.

J Bacteriol, 2001 Jan, 183(2), 752 - 7
Initiation of anaerobic degradation of p-cresol by formation of 4-hydroxybenzylsuccinate in desulfobacterium cetonicum; Muller JA et al.; The anaerobic bacterium Desulfobacterium cetonicum oxidized p-cresol completely to CO(2) with sulfate as the electron acceptor . During growth, 4-hydroxybenzylsuccinate accumulated in the medium . This finding indicated that the methyl group of p-cresol is activated by addition to fumarate, analogous to anaerobic toluene, m-xylene, and m-cresol degradation . In cell extracts, the formation of 4-hydroxybenzylsuccinate from p-cresol and fumarate was detected at an initial rate of 0.57 nmol min(-1) (mg of protein)(-1) . This activity was specific for extracts of p-cresol-grown cells . 4-Hydroxybenzylsuccinate was degraded further to 4-hydroxybenzoyl-coenzyme A (CoA), most likely via beta-oxidation . 4-Hydroxybenzoyl-CoA was reductively dehydroxylated to benzoyl-CoA . There was no evidence of degradation of p-cresol via methyl group oxidation by p-cresol-methylhydroxylase in this bacterium.

Biochemistry, 2000 Dec 26, 39(51), 16230 - 7
Spectroscopic studies and characterization of a novel electron-transfer chain from Escherichia coli involving a flavorubredoxin and its flavoprotein reductase partner; Gomes CM et al.; A novel two-component enzyme system from Escherichia coli involving a flavorubredoxin (FlRd) and its reductase was studied in terms of spectroscopic, redox, and biochemical properties of its constituents . FlRd contains one FMN and one rubredoxin (Rd) center per monomer . To assess the role of the Rd domain, FlRd and a truncated form lacking the Rd domain (FlRdDeltaRd), were characterized . FlRd contains 2.9+/-0.5 iron atoms/subunit, whereas FlRdDeltaRd contains 2.1+/-0.6 iron atoms/subunit . While for FlRd one iron atom corresponds to the Rd center, the other two irons, also present in FlRdDeltaRd, are most probably due to a di-iron site . Redox titrations of FlRd using EPR and visible spectroscopies allowed us to determine that the Rd site has a reduction potential of -140+/-15 mV, whereas the FMN undergoes reduction via a red-semiquinone, at -140+/-15 mV (Fl(ox)/Fl(sq)) and -180+/-15 mV (Fl(sq)/Fl(red)), at pH 7.6 . The Rd site has the lowest potential ever reported for a Rd center, which may be correlated with specific amino acid substitutions close to both cysteine clusters . The gene adjacent to that encoding FlRd was found to code for an FAD-containing protein, (flavo)rubredoxin reductase (FlRd-reductase), which is capable of mediating electron transfer from NADH to Desulfovibrio gigas Rd as well as to E . coli FlRd . Furthermore, electron donation was found to proceed through the Rd domain of FlRd as the Rd-truncated protein does not react with FlRd-reductase . In vitro, this pathway links NADH oxidation with dioxygen reduction . The possible function of this chain is discussed considering the presence of FlRd homologues in all known genomes of anaerobes and facultative aerobes.

Enzyme Microb Technol, 2001 Jan 2, 28(1), 114 - 121
Proteolytic anaerobic bacteria from lake sediments of Antarctica; Dube S et al.; Amongst twenty five proteolytic bacteria isolated from lake sediment samples of Antarctica, six isolates were selected based on SDS PAGE protein profile and zone of hydrolysis on casein agar at 10 degrees C . Most of the cultures were rod shaped and motile with two showing terminal bulging spores . Isolates grew between 5 degrees C to 37 degrees C and protease was induced in the late log, stationary or death phase . Isolate SPA-3 grew maximally at 10 degrees C and SPA-6 at 37 degrees C while others preferred 20 degrees C-30 degrees C for growth . The growth and protease production on casein, skimmed milk, bovine serum albumin and gelatin varied with the isolates . Acetate was the dominant volatile fatty acid (24-66% of total VFA) produced during hydrolysis of protein substrate.

J Bacteriol, 2001 Jan, 183(1), 101 - 8
Rubrerythrin and rubredoxin oxidoreductase in Desulfovibrio vulgaris: a novel oxidative stress protection system; Lumppio HL et al.; Evidence is presented for an alternative to the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-catalase oxidative stress defense system in Desulfovibrio vulgaris (strain Hildenborough) . This alternative system consists of the nonheme iron proteins, rubrerythrin (Rbr) and rubredoxin oxidoreductase (Rbo), the product of the rbo gene (also called desulfoferrodoxin) . A Deltarbo strain of D . vulgaris was found to be more sensitive to internal superoxide exposure than was the wild type . Unlike Rbo, expression of plasmid-borne Rbr failed to restore the aerobic growth of a SOD-deficient strain of Escherichia coli . Conversely, plasmid-borne expression of two different Rbrs from D . vulgaris increased the viability of a catalase-deficient strain of E . coli that had been exposed to hydrogen peroxide whereas Rbo actually decreased the viability . A previously undescribed D . vulgaris gene was found to encode a protein having 50% sequence identity to that of E . coli Fe-SOD . This gene also encoded an extended N-terminal sequence with high homologies to export signal peptides of periplasmic redox proteins . The SOD activity of D . vulgaris is not affected by the absence of Rbo and is concentrated in the periplasmic fraction of cell extracts . These results are consistent with a superoxide reductase rather than SOD activity of Rbo and with a peroxidase activity of Rbr . A joint role for Rbo and Rbr as a novel cytoplasmic oxidative stress protection system in D . vulgaris and other anaerobic microorganisms is proposed.

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi, 2000 Sep, 38(9), 710 - 3
{Pulmonary suppuration due to a mixed infection of anaerobic bacterium and Actinomyces}; Yoshida K et al.; We report a case of pulmonary suppuration due to a mixed infection of anaerobic bacterium and Actimomyces . A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of hemoptysis on March 30, 1999 . A chest X-ray film showed a localized shadow in the right middle lobe, and a tumor shadow was recognized on chest CT . The anaerobic bacterium were isolated from specimens collected bronchofiberscopically . A diagnosis of pulmonary suppuration due to anaerobic bacterium was made, and treatment with sulbactam/ampicillin, followed by imipenem/cilastatin, was initiated . Although his clinical symptoms and laboratory data improved rapidly following this treatment, the abnormal finding on the chest radiographs remained, with only slight improvement . Accordingly, surgical resection of part of the right middle lobe was performed on June 29 using a video-associated thoracic surgery technique . Actinomycosis was recognized by pathological examination of the resected lesion . A revised diagnosis of pulmonary suppuration due to a mixed infection of anaerobic bacterium and Actinomyces was made . Anaerobic bacterium in the oral cavity are recognized as significant pathogens in pulmonary suppuration . In the present case, we considered anaerobic bacterium and Actinomyces aspirated from the oral cavity into the lung to have caused the pulmonary suppuration.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 2000 Nov, 38(3), 181 - 3
Anti-anaerobic activity of levofloxacin alone and combined with clindamycin and metronidazole; Credito KL et al.; Microdilution MICs of levofloxacin against twelve anaerobes ranged between 0.5-8.0 microg/ml and those of clindamycin and metronidazole between 0.008-2.0 and 0.25->16.0 microg/ml, respectively . Combination of levofloxacin with clindamycin and/or metronidazole in time-kill tests led to synergy at levofloxacin concentrations at or below the MIC in 7/12 strains.

Syst Appl Microbiol, 2000 Oct, 23(3), 305 - 14
Respiration of arsenate and selenate by hyperthermophilic archaea; Huber R et al.; A novel, strictly anaerobic, hyperthermophilic, facultative organotrophic archaeon was isolated from a hot spring at Pisciarelli Solfatara, Naples, Italy . The rod-shaped cells grew chemolithoautotrophically with carbon dioxide as carbon source, hydrogen as electron donor and arsenate, thiosulfate or elemental sulfur as electron acceptor . H2S was formed from sulfur or thiosulfate, arsenite from arsenate . Organotrophically, the new isolate grew optimally in the presence of an inorganic electron acceptor like sulfur, selenate or arsenate . Cultures, grown on arsenate and thiosulfate or arsenate and L-cysteine, precipitated realgar (As2S2) . During growth on selenate, elemental selenium was produced . The G+C content of the DNA was 58.3 mol% . Due to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis combined with physiological and morphological criteria, the new isolate belongs to the Thermoproteales order . It represents a new species within the genus Pyrobaculum, the type species of which we name Pyrobaculum arsenaticum (type strain PZ6*, DSM 13514, ATCC 700994) . Comparative studies with different Pyrobaculum-species showed, that Pyrobaculum aerophilum was also able to grow organotrophically under anaerobic culture conditions in the presence of arsenate, selenate and selenite . During growth on selenite, elemental selenium was formed as final product . In contrast to P . arsenaticum, P . aerophilum could use selenate or arsenate for lithoautotrophic growth with carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Bioseparation, 2000, 9(3), 145 - 54
Pervaporative stripping of acetone, butanol and ethanol to improve ABE fermentation; Jitesh K et al.; Acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation by anaerobic bacterium C . acetobutylicum is a potential source for feedstock chemicals . The problem of product induced inhibition makes this fermentation economically infeasible . Pervaporation is studied as an effective separation technique to remove the toxic inhibitory products . Various membranes like Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM), plain Poly Dimethyl Siloxane (PDMS) and silicalite filled PDMS were studied for the removal of acetone, butanol and ethanol, from binary aqueous mixtures and from a quaternary mixture . It was found that the overall performance of PDMS filled with 15% w/w of silicalite was the best for removal of butanol in binary mixture study . SBR performance was best for the quaternary mixture studied.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2000 Dec, 66(12), 5141 - 7
Trichloroethene reductive dehalogenase from Dehalococcoides ethenogenes: sequence of tceA and substrate range characterization; Magnuson JK et al.; The anaerobic bacterium Dehalococcoides ethenogenes is the only known organism that can completely dechlorinate tetrachloroethene or trichloroethene (TCE) to ethene via dehalorespiration . One of two corrinoid-containing enzymes responsible for this pathway, TCE reductive dehalogenase (TCE-RDase) catalyzes the dechlorination of TCE to ethene . TCE-RDase dehalogenated 1,2-dichloroethane and 1, 2-dibromoethane to ethene at rates of 7.5 and 30 micromol/min/mg, respectively, similar to the rates for TCE, cis-dichloroethene (DCE), and 1,1-DCE . A variety of other haloalkanes and haloalkenes containing three to five carbon atoms were dehalogenated at lower rates . The gene encoding TCE-RDase, tceA, was cloned and sequenced via an inverse PCR approach . Sequence comparisons of tceA to proteins in the public databases revealed weak sequence similarity confined to the C-terminal region, which contains the eight-iron ferredoxin cluster binding motif, (CXXCXXCXXXCP)(2) . Direct N-terminal sequencing of the mature enzyme indicated that the first 42 amino acids constitute a signal sequence containing the twin-arginine motif, RRXFXK, associated with the Sec-independent membrane translocation system . This information coupled with membrane localization studies indicated that TCE-RDase is located on the exterior of the cytoplasmic membrane . Like the case for the two other RDases that have been cloned and sequenced, a small open reading frame, tceB, is proposed to be involved with membrane association of TCE-RDase and is predicted to be cotranscribed with tceA.

Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol, 1998 Dec, 1(1), 8 - 14
Small Bowel Dysmotility; Soffer EE; The most important initial step in treating patients with intestinal dysmotility is to exclude reversible causes, in particular mechanical obstruction . The presence or absence of bacterial overgrowth should be determined by small bowel aspirate or breath test, although an empiric trial with antibiotics is an appropriate alternative . Physicians should use agents effective against gram-negative organisms, such as broad-spectrum penicillins or tetracycline, particularly those that provide coverage of anaerobes, such as metronidazole . Nutritional support, by enteral or parenteral means, is currently the most important aspect of management of patients with severe intestinal dysmotility . A low-fat diet, supplemented by liquid formulas, can be tried first . The presence of gastroparesis should be determined; if severe, jejunal feeding should be attempted . Because of the costs and risks associated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN), every attempt should be made to use the native intestine for feeding . A trial of several days of naso-jejunal feeding can help select those patients who can obtain sufficient nutrition by enteral routes and is recommended prior to committing a patient to TPN therapy . Even while on TPN, some oral intake should be encouraged . Prokinetic agents currently in use are less effective in the small bowel than they are in the stomach . They should always be tried initially, though, particularly because improvement of concomitant gastric dysmotility can alleviate symptoms . Although certain manometric patterns can select those patients who respond better to therapy, manometry should not be used to direct therapy in individual patients . For the moment, cisapride is the drug of choice . Erythromycin, particularly when given intravenously and in small, sub-antibiotic doses, can also be tried . The role of octreotide is not clear, but when given at small doses, and when combined with erythromycin, it may be useful in selected patients . Ablative surgery may be useful in a few, highly selected patients . One of the most beneficial surgical procedures is a venting jejunostomy . The use of this simple intervention can substantially reduce the number of hospital admissions and emergency room visits in selected patients with intermittent obstructive symptoms.

Curr Infect Dis Rep, 2000 Jun, 2(3), 238 - 244
Anaerobic Infections of the Lung; Chung G et al.; Although the landmark investigational period for anaerobic pathogens occurred more than 20 years ago, pleuropulmonary infections caused by these pathogens remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality . Despite heightened awareness of pathogenicity and new diagnostic methods, the actual incidence of anaerobes in pulmonary infections--especially those occurring in hospitalized patients--remains controversial . Further complicating the management of these infections is the changing antimicrobial susceptibility of oral anaerobes, which has mandated the abandonment of penicillin monotherapy in seriously ill patients . This article reviews the pathogenesis of anaerobic pulmonary infections, their clinical presentations, and current management issues.

Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr, 2000 Dec, 56 Pt 12, 1673 - 5
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of adenylylsulfate reductase from Archaeoglobus fulgidus; Roth A et al.; A group of anaerobic microorganisms use sulfate as the terminal electron acceptor for energy conservation . The process of sulfate reduction involves several enzymatic steps . One of them is the conversion of adenylyl sulfate (adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate) to sulfite, catalyzed by adenylylsulfate reductase . This enzyme is composed of a FAD-containing alpha-subunit and a beta-subunit harbouring two {4Fe-4S} clusters . Adenylylsulfate reductase was isolated from Archaeoglobus fulgidus under anaerobic conditions and crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 4000 as precipitant . The crystals grew in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 72.4, b = 113.2, c = 194.0 A . The asymmetric unit probably contains two alphabeta units . The crystals diffract beyond 2 A resolution and are suitable for X-ray structure analysis.

Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2000 Nov, 16(3), 225 - 32
In vitro activities of fourteen antimicrobial agents against obligately anaerobic bacteria; Schaumann R et al.; The in vitro activities of fourteen antimicrobial agents were tested against 292 clinical isolates of obligately anaerobic bacteria using the broth microdilution technique . Taking all strains as a group the MIC(50/90) (mg/l) values were metronidazole and imipenem 0.25/1, meropenem 0.25/0.5, trovafloxacin 0.25/1, gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin 0.5/2, levofloxacin 2/16, ciprofloxacin 4/32, clindamycin 0.5/8, amoxycillin/clavulanate 1/4, doxycycline and chloramphenicol 2/4, erythromycin 4/>32 and penicillin G 16/>32.

Laryngorhinootologie, 2000 Oct, 79(10), 604 - 8
{Neck abscess as primary manifestation of head and neck carcinoma: implications for diagnostic management}; Ridder GJ et al.; BACKGROUND: Neck abscesses and deep neck infections are common diseases in the field of otorhinolaryngology . However, malignant lymph node metastases presenting as abscesses are uncommon and have rarely been described up to now . PATIENTS: A retrospective review between March 1997 and August 1999 was conducted of 40 patients with deep neck abscesses . RESULTS: In five patients (12.5%) the histological diagnostics revealed a malignancy . From these, in 3 cases the cervical abscess was the primary clinical symptom of an oropharyngeal as well as a hypopharyngeal carcinoma . With further 2 patients, the neck-abscess was located as first clinical sign of a metachronous lymph node metastases after oropharyngeal carcinoma . Aerobic bacteria were recovered in 18 patients, anaerobes alone in 3 and mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in 6 patients . Bartonella henselae was recovered in 7, Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 3 and Actinomyces israelii in 1 patient . CONCLUSIONS: A biopsy of the abscess wall is recommended in establishing the diagnosis . The indication for a simultaneous panendoscopy--especially in patients with typical risk for malignancies--to exclude a primary tumor in the aerodigestive tract should be regarded generously . Neck abscesses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of head and neck carcinoma.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2000 Nov, 183(5), 1130 - 7
Clinical implications of detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum in the amniotic cavity with the polymerase chain reaction; Yoon BH et al.; OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical significance of the detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum by means of the polymerase chain reaction with specific primers in the amniotic fluid of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes . STUDY DESIGN: Amniocentesis was performed in 154 patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and for mycoplasmas . Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected by means of the polymerase chain reaction with specific primers . Patients were divided into the following 3 groups according to the results of amniotic fluid culture and polymerase chain reaction for U . urealyticum: those with a negative amniotic fluid culture and a negative polymerase chain reaction (n = 99), those with a negative amniotic fluid culture but a positive polymerase chain reaction (n = 18), and those with a positive amniotic fluid culture regardless of the results of the polymerase chain reaction (n = 37) . Contingency table and survival techniques were used for analysis . RESULTS: (1) U . urealyticum was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 28% (43/154) of patients and by culture in 16% (25/154) . (2) Among the 43 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction for U urealyticum, amniotic fluid culture was negative in 42% (18/43) . (3) Patients with a negative amniotic fluid culture for U urealyticum but a positive polymerase chain reaction had a significantly shorter median interval from amniocentesis to delivery and a higher amniotic fluid interleukin 6 and white blood cell count than did those with a negative amniotic fluid culture and a negative polymerase chain reaction (interval to delivery; median, 53 hours; range, 0.3-335 hours; vs . median, 141 hours; range, 0.1-3552 hours; P<.05; amniotic fluid white blood cell count: median, 513 cells/mm(3); range, 1-2295 cells/mm(3); vs . median, 1 cell/mm(3); range, 0-7956 cells/mm(3); amniotic fluid interleukin 6: median, 16.6 ng/mL; range, 0.3-53.0 ng/mL; vs . median 0.4 ng/mL; range, 0-69.8 ng/mL; P<.0001 for all) . (4) Patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction for U . urealyticum but a negative amniotic fluid culture had a higher rate of significant neonatal morbidity than did those with both a negative culture and a negative polymerase chain reaction (P<.05) . (5) No significant differences in perinatal outcome were observed between patients with a negative culture but a positive polymerase chain reaction and those with a positive amniotic fluid culture . CONCLUSION: (1) Culture techniques for mycoplasmas missed 40% of cases of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity with U . urealyticum . (2) Patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction but a negative amniotic fluid culture are at risk for adverse outcomes . (3) The use of molecular microbiologic techniques is likely to increase the detection of infection among patients with obstetric complications.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2000 Nov, 183(5), 1124 - 9
The relationship among inflammatory lesions of the umbilical cord (funisitis), umbilical cord plasma interleukin 6 concentration, amniotic fluid infection, and neonatal sepsis; Yoon BH et al.; OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether funisitis (inflammation of the umbilical cord detected by histologic examination of the placenta) is associated with changes in the umbilical cord plasma concentration of interleukin 6, microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, and neonatal sepsis . STUDY DESIGN: The relationship among the presence of funisitis, interleukin 6 concentrations in umbilical cord plasma at birth, the results of amniotic fluid culture performed within 3 days of birth, and the occurrence of congenital neonatal sepsis was examined in 315 consecutive singleton preterm births (20-35 weeks' gestation) . Funisitis was diagnosed in the presence of neutrophil infiltration into the umbilical vessel walls or Wharton jelly . The interleukin 6 concentration was measured with a specific immunoassay . Amniocentesis was performed in 106 patients within 3 days of birth . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and for mycoplasmas . RESULTS: (1) Funisitis was present in 25% of patients (78/315) . (2) Patients with funisitis had a significantly higher median cord plasma interleukin 6 and a lower gestational age at birth than did those without funisitis (cord interleukin 6: median, 52.4 pg/mL; range, 0.9-19,230 pg/mL; vs median, 4.6 pg/mL; range, 0-18,108 pg/mL; gestational age: median, 31.1 weeks' gestation; range, 21.0-35.0 weeks' gestation; vs median, 32.9 weeks' gestation; range, 21.4-35.0 weeks' gestation; P<.001 for each comparison) . (3) A cord plasma interleukin 6 of > or =17.5 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 78% in the identification of funisitis . (4) Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and clinical chorioamnionitis were more common among patients with funisitis than among those without funisitis (positive amniotic fluid culture: 53% {20/38}; vs . 12% {8/68}; clinical chorioamnionitis: 18% {14/78}; vs . 4% {9/237}; P<.001 for each comparison) . (5) Neonates with funisitis had a significantly higher rate of congenital sepsis than did those without this lesion (12% {8/66} vs . 1% {3/216}; P<.001); this difference remained significant after adjustment for gestational age at birth (odds ratio, 7.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-29.0) . CONCLUSION: (1) Umbilical cord plasma interleukin 6 concentrations were higher in neonates born with funisitis than in those without this lesion . (2) Funisitis is associated with amniotic fluid infection, congenital neonatal sepsis, and the fetal inflammatory response syndrome.

Arch Microbiol, 2000 Oct, 174(4), 283 - 91
Alkaliphilic heliobacterium Heliorestis baculata sp . nov . and emended description of the genus Heliorestis; Bryantseva IA et al.; A rod-shaped heliobacterium motile by peritrichous flagella, designated strain OS-H1, was isolated from a sample of shoreline soil of the soda lake Ostozhe (pH 9.2, total salt content 0.22%) located in the steppe of south-east Siberia . In the first few transfers, the isolate produced heat-resistant endospores . Like other heliobacteria, strain OS-H1 contained bacteriochlorophyll g and lacked intracytoplasmic membranes . The new isolate was a strict anaerobe and photoheterotroph . In the light and in the presence of organic compounds, strain OS-H1 oxidized sulfide to elemental sulfur and polysulfides, but was not capable of photoautotrophic growth . The isolate was an obligate alkaliphile able to grow at pH 8-10.2 . The best growth was observed at pH 8.5-9.5, a temperature of 30 degrees C and at 5-10 g sodium carbonate l(-1) . Biotin was required as a growth factor . The G+C content of strain OS-H1 was 45.0 mol% . Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence to that of phototrophic bacteria showed strain OS-H1 to group within gram-positive bacteria of the family Heliobacteriaceae with the closest relationship to Heliorestis daurensis (95.6% similarity) . Based on physiological, genetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the new heliobacterium is described as a new species of the genus Heliorestis, Heliorestis baculata.

Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2000 Nov, 32(11), 1942 - 8
Motor cortex fatigue in sports measured by transcranial magnetic double stimulation; Tergau F et al.; PURPOSE: Besides peripheral mechanisms, central fatigue is an important factor limiting the performance of exhausting exercise in sport . The mechanisms responsible are still in discussion . Using noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a double-pulse technique, we sought to assess fatigue of the motor cortex after exhaustive anaerobic strain . METHODS: 23 male subjects (22-52 yr) taking part in the study were requested to accomplish as many pull-ups as possible until exhaustion . The amount of physical lifting work was recorded . Before and immediately after the task, intracortical inhibition (ICI) and facilitation (ICF) were measured by a conditioned-test double-pulse TMS method for the right brachioradialis (BR) and abductor pollicis brevis muscle (APB) . RESULTS: After exercise, ICF was significantly reduced in the BR but not in the APB . ICI was not altered . Changes tended to normalize within 8 min after the task . The amount of lifting work accomplished showed significant correlation to the values of ICF reduction (r = 0.73) . Moreover, the baseline values of ICF before exercise were also significantly correlated to the lifting work (r = 0.63) . CONCLUSIONS: Because double-pulse TMS gives access to the motor cortex independently of spinal or peripheral mechanisms, reduced ICF reflects decreased excitability of interneuronal circuits within the motor cortex . We suggest that ICF measures motor cortex fatigue after exhausting strain specifically for the muscles performing the task . Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurotransmission is possibly involved in the mechanisms mediating central fatigue . Double-pulse TMS may be a useful tool in the control of training in sports as well as in the detection of pathological central fatigue in overreaching and in the prevention of overtraining.

FEMS Microbiol Rev, 2000 Dec, 24(5), 625 - 45
Microbiology of flooded rice paddies; Liesack W et al.; Flooded rice paddies are one of the major biogenic sources of atmospheric methane . Apart from this contribution to the 'greenhouse' effect, rice paddy soil represents a suitable model system to study fundamental aspects of microbial ecology, such as diversity, structure, and dynamics of microbial communities as well as structure-function relationships between microbial groups . Flooded rice paddy soil can be considered as a system with three compartments (oxic surface soil, anoxic bulk soil, and rhizosphere) characterized by different physio-chemical conditions . After flooding, oxygen is rapidly depleted in the bulk soil . Anaerobic microorganisms, such as fermentative bacteria and methanogenic archaea, predominate within the microbial community, and thus methane is the final product of anaerobic degradation of organic matter . In the surface soil and the rhizosphere well-defined microscale chemical gradients can be measured . The oxygen profile seems to govern gradients of other electron acceptors (e.g., nitrate, iron(III), and sulfate) and reduced compounds (e.g., ammonium, iron(II), and sulfide) . These gradients provide information about the activity and spatial distribution of functional groups of microorganisms . This review presents the current knowledge about the highly complex microbiology of flooded rice paddies . In Section 2 we describe the predominant microbial groups and their function with particular regard to bacterial populations utilizing polysaccharides and simple sugars, and to the methanogenic archaea . Section 3 describes the spatial and temporal development of microscale chemical gradients measured in experimentally defined model systems, including gradients of oxygen and dissolved and solid-phase iron(III) and iron(II) . In Section 4, the results of measurements of microscale gradients of oxygen, pH, nitrate-nitrite, and methane in natural rice fields and natural rice soil cores taken to the laboratory will be presented . Finally, perspectives of future research are discussed (Section 5).

J Med Microbiol, 2000 Nov, 49(11), 1031 - 6
Evaluation of blood culture systems for detection of the intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira (Serpulina) pilosicoli in human blood; Brooke CJ et al.; The anaerobic intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira (Serpulina) pilosicoli has been isolated from the bloodstream of French patients by manual blood culture systems . The purpose of this study was to determine whether the automated and manual blood culture systems used in Australia are suitable for growth and detection of this organism . Strains of B . pilosicoli were added to human blood to give concentrations ranging from 1 x 10(4) to 1 x 10(1) spirochaetes/ml and 10-ml volumes were inoculated into the media . Three strains of B . pilosicoli grew slowly in all manual Hemoline and BBL Septi-Chek formulations tested . Subcultures taken between 2 and 10 days after inoculation yielded growth only after incubation for a further 5-8 days . Growth and automated detection were achieved in the BACTEC system with Anaerobic/F medium with or without Fastidious Organism Supplement . Minimum time to signal for nine strains varied between 5.6 and 14.9 days, with a minimum concentration of 10(1) spirochaetes/ml of blood being detected . None of nine strains gave a positive signal in the BacT/Alert system when FAN Anaerobic culture bottles were used; however, four strains were detected by subculture taken at 7 or 14 days after inoculation . When Anaerobic medium was used in the BacT/Alert system, two of three strains gave a signal and the other strain grew and was detected by subculture . Spirochaetaemias caused by B . pilosicoli may be unrecognised because detection time by the signal or subculture exceeds 5 days.

Mol Microbiol, 2000 Oct, 38(2), 322 - 34
Oxygen detoxification in the strict anaerobic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus: superoxide scavenging by neelaredoxin; Abreu IA et al.; Archaeoglobus fulgidus is a hyperthermophilic sulphate-reducing archaeon . It has an optimum growth temperature of 83 degrees C and is described as a strict anaerobe . Its genome lacks any homologue of canonical superoxide (O2.-) dismutases . In this work, we show that neelaredoxin (Nlr) is the main O2.- scavenger in A . fulgidus, by studying both the wild-type and recombinant proteins . Nlr is a 125-amino-acid blue-coloured protein containing a single iron atom/molecule, which in the oxidized state is high spin ferric . This iron centre has a reduction potential of +230 mV at pH 7.0 . Nitroblue tetrazolium-stained gel assays of cell-soluble extracts show that Nlr is the main protein from A . fulgidus which is reactive towards O2.- . Furthermore, it is shown that Nlr is able to both reduce and dismutate O2.-, thus having a bifunctional reactivity towards O2.- . Kinetic and spectroscopic studies indicate that Nlr's superoxide reductase activity may allow the cell to eliminate O2.- quickly in a NAD(P)H-dependent pathway . On the other hand, Nlr's superoxide dismutation activity will allow the cell to detoxify O2.- independently of the cell redox status . Its superoxide dismutase activity was estimated to be 59 U mg-1 by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay at 25 degrees C . Pulse radiolysis studies with the isolated and reduced Nlr proved unambiguously that it has superoxide dismutase activity; at pH 7.1 and 83 degrees C, the rate constant is 5 x 106 M-1 s-1 . Besides the superoxide dismutase activity, soluble cell extracts of A . fulgidus also exhibit catalase and NAD(P)H/oxygen oxidoreductase activities . By putting these findings together with the entire genomic data available, a possible oxygen detoxification mechanism in A . fulgidus is discussed.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2000 Nov, 14(11), 1511 - 8
Hypochlorhydria induced by a proton pump inhibitor leads to intragastric microbial production of acetaldehyde from ethanol; Vakevainen S et al.; BACKGROUND: Acetaldehyde, produced locally in the digestive tract, has recently been shown to be carcinogenic in humans . AIM: To examine the effect of iatrogenic hypochlorhydria on intragastric acetaldehyde production from ethanol after a moderate dose of alcohol, and to relate the findings to the changes in gastric flora . METHODS: Eight male volunteers ingested ethanol 0.6 g/kg b.w . The pH, acetaldehyde level and microbial counts of the gastric juice were then determined . The experiment was repeated after 7 days of lansoprazole 30 mg b.d . RESULTS: The mean (+/- S.E.M.) pH of the gastric juice was 1.3 +/- 0.06 and 6.1 +/- 0.5 (P < 0.001) before and after lansoprazole, respectively . This was associated with a marked overgrowth of gastric aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (P < 0 . 001), by a 2.5-fold (P=0.003) increase in gastric juice acetaldehyde level after ethanol ingestion, and with a positive correlation (r=0 . 90, P < 0.001) between gastric juice acetaldehyde concentration and the count of aerobic bacteria . CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with proton pump inhibitors leads to hypochlorhydria, which associates with intragastric overgrowth of aerobic bacteria and microbially-mediated acetaldehyde production from ethanol . Since acetaldehyde is a local carcinogen in the concentrations found in this study, long-term use of gastric acid secretory inhibitors is a potential risk-factor for gastric and cardiac cancers.

Nat Struct Biol, 2000 Nov, 7(11), 1041 - 5
Structure of a dioxygen reduction enzyme from Desulfovibrio gigas; Frazao C et al.; Desulfovibrio gigas is a strict anaerobe that contains a well-characterized metabolic pathway that enables it to survive transient contacts with oxygen . The terminal enzyme in this pathway, rubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase (ROO) reduces oxygen to water in a direct and safe way . The 2.5 A resolution crystal structure of ROO shows that each monomer of this homodimeric enzyme consists of a novel combination of two domains, a flavodoxin-like domain and a Zn-beta-lactamase-like domain that contains a di-iron center for dioxygen reduction . This is the first structure of a member of a superfamily of enzymes widespread in strict and facultative anaerobes, indicating its broad physiological significance.

Vet J, 2000 Nov, 160(3), 177 - 91
Pathophysiology of abomasal parasitism: is the host or parasite responsible?
Simpson HV.
Nematode larvae developing within the glands cause local loss of parietal cells and mucous cell hyperplasia whereas reduced acid secretion, increased serum gastrin and pepsinogen concentrations and generalized histological changes are associated with parasites in the abomasal lumen . Parietal cells with dilated canaliculi and/or degenerative changes typical of necrosis are present soon after the transplantation of adult worms, and abomasal secretion is also affected . Anaerobic bacteria survive in greater numbers as the pH rises, with bacterial densities becoming similar to ruminal populations at an abomasal pH of 4 and above . Failure to lyse bacteria may affect adversely the nutrition of the host . The parasites may initiate the pathophysiology through the release of excretory/secretory (ES) products which either act directly on parietal cells or indirectly through enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells by provoking inflammation or by disrupting the protective mucosal defence system.Parietal cell dysfunction is proposed as a key event which leads to loss of mature chief cells and mucous cell hyperplasia, as well as hypergastrinaemia . Inflammation increases circulating pepsinogen concentrations and may also contribute to increased gastrin secretion . Stimulation of mucosal proliferation and differentiation of parietal cells in the isthmus by the raised serum gastrin levels will be beneficial by generating a new population of active parietal cells and adequate acid secretion .

J Biochem (Tokyo), 2000 Nov, 128(5), 877 - 81
Design and synthesis of sensitive fluorogenic substrates specific for Lys-gingipain; Abe N et al.; Lys-gingipain (Kgp) is a major cysteine proteinase produced by the oral anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, and has been implicated as a major pathogen in the development and progression of advanced adult periodontitis . This enzyme is believed to act as a major virulence factor of the disease, yet there exist no convenient and sensitive substrates for analyzing its biological activity . For a better understanding of the importance of this enzyme in the organism, there is an urgent need for specific substrates . Here we designed and synthesized two peptide 4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amides (MCA), carbobenzoxy (Z)-His-Glu-Lys-MCA, and Z-Glu-Lys-MCA, and tested their possible use as sensitive substrates for Kgp with limited specificity . Both substrates exhibited greater k(cat)/K(m) values than the best known Kgp substrates described so far . Both substrates were resistant to Arg-gingipain, another pathogenic cysteine proteinase from P . gingivalis, as well as trypsin and cathepsins B, L, and H . The levels of Kgp in various microorganisms and human cells were determined with Z-His-Glu-Lys-MCA . Little or no Kgp-like activity was detected in either other microorganisms or human cells tested . These results indicate that the present substrates are a valuable and fast tool for routine assays and for mechanistic studies on Kgp.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2000 Nov, 66(11), 5005 - 12
Transition from anaerobic to aerobic growth conditions for the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio oxyclinae results in flocculation; Sigalevich P et al.; A chemostat culture of the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio oxyclinae isolated from the oxic layer of a hypersaline cyanobacterial mat was grown anaerobically and then subjected to gassing with 1% oxygen, both at a dilution rate of 0.05 h(-1) . The sulfate reduction rate under anaerobic conditions was 370 nmol of SO(4)(2-) mg of protein(-1) min(-1) . At the onset of aerobic gassing, sulfate reduction decreased by 40%, although viable cell numbers did not decrease . After 42 h, the sulfate reduction rate returned to the level observed in the anaerobic culture . At this stage the growth yield increased by 180% compared to the anaerobic culture to 4.4 g of protein per mol of sulfate reduced . Protein content per cell increased at the same time by 40% . The oxygen consumption rate per milligram of protein measured in washed cell suspensions increased by 80%, and the thiosulfate reduction rate of the same samples increased by 29% with lactate as the electron donor . These findings indicated possible oxygen-dependent enhancement of growth . After 140 h of growth under oxygen flux, formation of cell aggregates 0.1 to 3 mm in diameter was observed . Micrometer-sized aggregates were found to form earlier, during the first hours of exposure to oxygen . The respiration rate of D . oxyclinae was sufficient to create anoxia inside clumps larger than 3 microm, while the levels of dissolved oxygen in the growth vessel were 0.7 +/- 0.5 microM . Aggregation of sulfate-reducing bacteria was observed within a Microcoleus chthonoplastes-dominated layer of a cyanobacterial mat under daily exposure to oxygen concentrations of up to 900 microM . Desulfonema-like sulfate-reducing bacteria were also common in this environment along with other nonaggregated sulfate-reducing bacteria . Two-dimensional mapping of sulfate reduction showed heterogeneity of sulfate reduction activity in this oxic zone.

Diabetes Metab Res Rev, 2000 Sep-Oct, 16 Suppl 1, S55 - 8
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the diabetic foot; Bakker DJ; Common causes for non-healing of diabetic foot ulcers are infection and/or ischaemia . Diabetic patients are compromised hosts as far as wound healing is concerned . Diabetes mellitus is associated with a defective cellular and humoral immunity . In particular, decreased chemotaxis, decreased phagocytosis, impaired bacterial killing and abnormal lymphocytic function have been observed, resulting in a reduced inflammatory reaction and defective wound healing . The potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in diabetic patients with a foot ulcer are discussed . Oxygen plays an important role in the physiology of wound healing . HBO can raise tissue oxygen tensions to levels where wound healing can be expected . Hyperbaric oxygen increases also the killing ability of leucocytes, is lethal for certain anaerobic bacteria and inhibits toxin formation in other anaerobes . Multiple anecdotal reports and retrospective studies in HBO therapy in diabetic patients suggest that HBO can be an effective adjunct in the management of diabetic wounds . Prospective studies also show the beneficial effects of HBO . Because most published studies suffer from methodological problems, there is an urgent need for a collaborative, international, randomised prospective clinical trial for the application of HBO in diabetic foot lesions, as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach, before we can recommend HBO as standard therapy in patients with foot ulcers .

Acta Odontol Scand, 2000 Aug, 58(4), 183 - 7
Genetic diversity of Porphyromonas gingivalis and its possible importance to pathogenicity; Ozmeric N et al.; During recent years much effort has been put into understanding the genetic composition of the oral populations of black-pigmented anaerobic bacteria . One of them, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is a putative periodontopathogenic organism considered to be particularly relevant in the etiology of adult periodontitis . It has been shown in studies using molecular typing methods that most bacterial populations consist of numerous genetic clones, and that only a small proportion of these clones cause disease . Elucidation of a possible association of genotypic profiles with either disease or clinical healthy condition is important for understanding the pathogenic characteristics of bacteria . Studies addressing this issue as it relates to P . gingivalis are reviewed in the present article . Genotypic characterization of P . gingivalis strains has revealed extensive heterogeneity in natural populations of this bacterium . Some of the potential virulence factors of P . gingivalis have been purified and cloned and methods have been established to identify their genes . Although no studies have clearly defined the relationship between a specific genotype of P . gingivalis and periodontal status of the host, it seems that molecular typing tools, which are undergoing rapid improvements, will allow us to distinguish between virulent and avirulent strains of the same species in the near future.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2000 Nov 1, 192(1), 133 - 8
Mechanism of oxidative DNA damage induction in a strict anaerobe, Prevotella melaninogenica; Takeuchi T et al.; We investigated the mechanism of the oxidative DNA damage induction by exposure to O(2) in Prevotella melaninogenica, a strict anaerobe . Flow cytometry with hydroethidine and dichlorofluorescein diacetate showed that O(2) exposure generated O(2)*-) and H(2)O(2) . Results of electron spin resonance with alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone and ethanol showed that O(2) exposure also induced *OH radical generation in P . melaninogenica loaded with FeCl(2) but not in samples without FeCl(2) loading . In P . melaninogenica, O(2) exposure increased 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), typical of oxidative DNA damage . Catalase inhibited the increase, but the *OH radical scavengers did not . Phenanthroline, a membrane-permeable Fe and Cu chelator, increased the 8OHdG induction . In FeCl(2)-loaded samples, induction of 8OHdG decreased . Addition of H(2)O(2) markedly increased 8OHdG levels . These results indicate that in P . melaninogenica, exposure to O(2) generated and accumulated O(2)* and H(2)O(2), and that a crypto-OH radical generated through H(2)O(2) was the active species in the 8OHdG induction.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2000 Oct, 183(4), 868 - 73
Interleukin 6 determinations in cervical fluid have diagnostic and prognostic value in preterm premature rupture of membranes; Jun JK et al.; OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether interleukin-6 concentrations in cervical fluid samples are of value in the identification of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, prediction of the duration of the latency period, and assessment of the risk of neonatal complications in preterm premature rupture of membranes . STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study was performed in 86 patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes . Amniotic fluid and cervical fluid were collected . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as mycoplasmas . Interleukin 6 was measured by a sensitive and specific immunoassay . The receiver operating characteristic curve, logistic regression, and survival techniques were used for analysis . RESULTS: (1) Patients with a positive amniotic fluid culture had a significantly higher median cervical fluid interleukin 6 concentration than those with negative results (median, 528 pg/mL; range, 174-825 pg/mL; vs median, 169 pg/mL; range, 8-986 pg/mL; P <.0001) . (2) A cervical fluid interleukin 6 concentration of >350 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 78% in the identification of a positive amniotic fluid culture . (3) Patients with a cervical fluid interleukin 6 concentration of >350 pg/mL had a significantly shorter median interval to delivery and higher rate of funisitis, preterm delivery within 2 days and 7 days, and the occurrence of significant neonatal morbidity than did those with a cervical fluid interleukin 6 concentration of <350 pg/mL (P <.05 for each) . (4) The increased perinatal morbidity remained significant after adjustment for gestational age (P <.05) . (5) There was a strong correlation between cervical fluid concentrations and amniotic fluid concentrations of interleukin 6 (P <.001) . CONCLUSION: Cervical fluid interleukin 6 determinations are of value in the assessment of the likelihood of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, impending preterm delivery, and the occurrence of significant neonatal complications in the setting of preterm premature rupture of membranes.

FEBS Lett, 2000 Sep 1, 480(2-3), 213 - 6
Iron-coproporphyrin III is a natural cofactor in bacterioferritin from the anaerobic bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans; Romao CV et al.; A bacterioferritin was recently isolated from the anaerobic sulphate-reducing bacterium Desulfivibrio desulfuricans ATCC 27774 {Romao et al . (2000) Biochemistry 39, 6841-6849} . Although its properties are in general similar to those of the other bacterioferritins, it contains a haem quite distinct from the haem B, found in bacterioferritins from aerobic organisms . Using visible and NMR spectroscopies, as well as mass spectrometry analysis, the haem is now unambiguously identified as iron-coproporphyrin III, the first example of such a prosthetic group in a biological system . This unexpected finding is discussed in the framework of haem biosynthetic pathways in anaerobes and particularly in sulphate-reducing bacteria.

Drugs, 2000 Sep, 60(3), 619 - 46
Meropenem: an updated review of its use in the management of intra-abdominal infections; Lowe MN et al.; Meropenem is a carbapenem antibacterial agent with a broad spectrum of activity which encompasses gram-negative, gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria . Like other carbapenems, meropenem is stable against chromosomal and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases . In patients with moderate to severe intra-abdominal infections, empirical monotherapy with meropenem achieved clinical response rates ranging from 91 to 100% in 7 randomised comparative trials . Efficacy rates were similar to those of imipenem/cilastatin (94 to 97%), clindamycin plus tobramycin (93%) and, overall, to cefotaxime plus metronidazole (75 to 100%), although there were differences between trials versus this combination regimen . According to limited data, meropenem also achieved clinical response rates of over 80% in patients with severe intra-abdominal infections . Meropenem is well tolerated, the most common adverse events being diarrhoea, rash, nausea/vomiting and inflammation at the injection site which are reported in <2.5% of patients each . Meropenem also has an improved CNS tolerability profile compared with imipenem/cilastatin . Conclusions: Extensive comparative clinical data demonstrate that meropenem can be used effectively as empirical monotherapy in moderate to severe intra-abdominal infections . It also shows potential in the most severe forms of infection, although experience in this infection type remains limited . Compared with standard combination regimens, meropenem offers the benefits of ease of administration without the need for monitoring . It also offers improved CNS tolerability compared with imipenem/cilastatin with the option of a higher maximum dosage, which may be a particular advantage in patients with severe intra-abdominal infections.

APMIS, 2000 Jun, 108(6), 453 - 8
Blood culture bottles for transportation and recovery of anaerobic bacteria from non-blood samples; Melhus A et al.; Using bacterial suspensions as simulated non-blood specimens, the capacity of three different BacT/ Alert blood culture bottles for the transportation and recovery of anaerobic bacteria with different sensitivity to air was evaluated . To better assess the performance of the BacT/Alert bottles, three other liquid media specially designed for anaerobes were included in the study . Attention was paid to recovery rates in relation to species, initial bacterial concentration, and time needed for detection . Of the BacT/Alert blood culture bottles, the anaerobic FAN bottle yielded the highest recovery rates, but its performance was limited compared with chopped meat broth in tubes . This broth allowed detection of all the tested species within 48 h . Since collection and transportation of anaerobic bacteria are of major importance for a reliable culture result, improvements are necessary.

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 2000, (9), 8 - 10
{Intraperitoneal perfusion of perftoran in the treatment of patients with diffuse purulent peritonitis}; Askerkhanov GR et al.; For higher efficacy of general purulent peritonitis treatment, intraperitoneal perfusion of Perftoran emulsion was proposed . The drug was administered as a single dose of 100-150 ml before wound suturing . In 48 hours an increase of phagocytizing cells fraction in peritoneal exudate and their higher functional activity was revealed: the phagocytic activity and phagocytic index was 2 times higher than in the control group, complete phagocytosis index--1.5 times higher . Significant reduction of microbial contamination in abdominal cavity was also revealed: in 48 hours there were less aerobic bacteria than in the control group, there were no anaerobic bacteria, or anaerobes were detected in a minimum quantity . Local use of Perftoran allowed to decrease the rate of repeated peritoneal sanitation by 44.4% and to decrease mortality by 5.2%.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 2000 Oct, 46(4), 541 - 50
Cytotoxicity and probable mechanism of action of sulphimidazole; Castelli M et al.; Sulphimidazole (1-methyl-2((4-aminophenyl)-sulphonyl)-amino-5-nitroimidazole) is a new compound in which a p-aminobenzenesulphonamide radical has been attached at position 2 of the 5-nitroimidazole ring . It possesses a useful spectrum of activity in vitro against various anaerobic microorganisms and its action against aerobic and facultative bacteria is synergically enhanced in association with trimethoprim . In the present study, we determined the cytotoxicity in vitro of sulphimidazole and trimethoprim, both alone and in combination, and analysed the viability of Vero cells and the protein content of their cell lysate in the presence of increasing concentrations of these drugs . Also, in order to verify the hypothesis that the action of sulphimidazole against aerobic and facultative bacteria is mediated by the sulphonamide component of the molecule, while that against anaerobic bacteria depends on the action of the nitro group of the 5-nitroimidazole ring, we studied the mechanism of action of the new compound both indirectly, by means of microbiological techniques, and directly, by determining its oxidoreduction potential with respect to that of metronidazole . The results show that sulphimidazole is only slightly toxic in vitro for Vero cells, either alone or in association with trimethoprim, and that the combination of the two functional groups in a single molecule not only maintains its structure-activity relationship intact but also broadens its antibacterial spectrum.

J Hepatol, 2000 Sep, 33(3), 382 - 6
Diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with cirrhosis of the liver: poor performance of the glucose breath hydrogen test; Bauer TM et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is known to occur in association with cirrhosis of the liver and studies are needed to assess its pathophysiological role . The glucose breath hydrogen test as an indirect test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth has been applied to patients with cirrhosis but has not yet been validated against quantitative culture of jejunal secretion in this particular patient population . METHODS: Forty patients with cirrhosis underwent glucose breath hydrogen test and jejunoscopy . Jejunal secretions were cultivated quantitatively for aerobe and anaerobe microorganisms . RESULTS: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was detected by culture of jejunal aspirates in 73% of patients, being associated with age and the administration of acid-suppressive therapy . The glucose breath hydrogen test correlated poorly with culture results, sensitivity and specificity ranging from 27%-52% and 36%-80%, respectively . CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cirrhosis, the glucose breath hydrogen test correlates poorly with the diagnostic gold standard for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth . Until other non-invasive tests have been validated, studies addressing the role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with cirrhosis should resort to microbiological culture of jejunal secretions.

Annu Rev Microbiol, 2000, 54, 827 - 48
Oxygen respiration by desulfovibrio species; Cypionka H; Throughout the first 90 years after their discovery, sulfate-reducing bacteria were thought to be strict anaerobes . During the last 15 years, however, it has turned out that they have manifold properties that enable them to cope with oxygen . Sulfate-reducing bacteria not only survive oxygen exposure for at least days, but many of them even reduce oxygen to water . This process can be a true respiration process when it is coupled to energy conservation . Various oxygen-reducing systems are present in Desulfovibrio species . In Desulfovibrio vulgaris and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, oxygen reduction was coupled to proton translocation and ATP conservation . In these species, the periplasmic fraction, which contains hydrogenase and cytochrome c3, was found to catalyze oxygen reduction with high rates . In Desulfovibrio gigas, a cytoplasmic rubredoxin oxidase was identified as an oxygen-reducing terminal oxidase . Generally, the same substrates as with sulfate are oxidized with oxygen . As additional electron donors, reduced sulfur compounds can be oxidized to sulfate . Sulfate-reducing bacteria are thus able to catalyze all reactions of a complete sulfur cycle . Despite a high respiration rate and energy coupling, aerobic growth of pure cultures is poor or absent . Instead, the respiration capacity appears to have a protective function . High numbers of sulfate-reducing bacteria are present in the oxic zones and near the oxic-anoxic boundaries of sediments and in stratified water bodies, microbial mats and termite guts . Community structure analyses and microbiological studies have shown that the populations in those zones are especially adapted to oxygen . How dissimilatory sulfate reduction can occur in the presence of oxygen is still enigmatic, because in pure culture oxygen blocks sulfate reduction . Behavioral responses to oxygen include aggregation, migration to anoxic zones, and aerotaxis . The latter leads to band formation in oxygen-containing zones at concentrations of </=20% air saturation.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2000 Aug, 19(8), 635 - 7
In vitro activity of ABT-773 against anaerobic bacteria; Sillerstrom E et al.; The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the in vitro activity of ABT-773 compared with that of other antimicrobial agents against anaerobic bacteria . The activity of ABT-773 was investigated against 354 clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria by the agar dilution method and was compared with that of azithromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, erythromycin, cefoxitin, imipenem, clindamycin and metronidazole . ABT-773 and imipenem were the most active antimicrobial agents tested.

Rinsho Shinkeigaku, 2000 May, 40(5), 490 - 3
{Tracheopulmonary-subcutaneous fistula associated with anaerobic subcutaneous abscess on mechanical ventilator support in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy}; Kanzato N et al.; A 29-year-old Japanese man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was placed on a mechanical ventilator support at 23 years of age and admitted to our hospital at 25 years of age . He had severe neck contracture deviated to the left side which resulted in dysphagia and microaspiration . At 29 years of age, he developed left lobar pneumonia accompanied by slight fever, back pain and a foul odor from the patient's sputum . Although the patient received broad spectrum antibiotics, pneumonia disseminated to the right lung . A week later, chest computed tomography was conducted which revealed tracheopulmonary-subcutaneous fistula, and a massive subcutaneous abscess with free air production . Drainage from the subcutaneous abscess was done through a chest tube; however, respiratory hypercapnia was not corrected and the patient died . From the culture of drained fluid, anaerobic bacteria including peptostreptococcus sp . were detected . This tracheopulmonary-subcutaneous fistula was thought to be caused by chronic microaspiration of mouth anaerobes, mechanical injury of the trachea under long term ventilator support, and decreased deep back muscle bulk with substitution of adipose tissue around the chest.

Med Hypotheses, 2000 Oct, 55(4), 302 - 5
Cancer: the role of oxygen in fungal-induced carcinogenesis; White MW; The mammalian cancer cell demonstrates that this animal cell respires and metabolizes anaerobically . It not only maintains a strong viability but can enlarge as a tumor, to spread circumferentially, to the lymph nodes and distal areas.Our studies with supportive and tantalizing evidence indicate that cancer is due to the intracellular presence of an invasive obligate asexual anaerobe microorganism . Genetically, this anaerobe possesses a (nonmetal) electronegative element compound . This element compound is one that has the affinity to accept and add electrons in a chemical reaction . The presence of this obligate anaerobe with its specific chemistry, along with the host's circulating flow of blood, are the critical cofactors in carcinogenesis .

J Clin Invest, 2000 Sep, 106(6), R59 - 67
Functional human T-cell immunity and osteoprotegerin ligand control alveolar bone destruction in periodontal infection; Teng YT et al.; Periodontitis, a prime cause of tooth loss in humans, is implicated in the increased risk of systemic diseases such as heart failure, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia . The mechanisms by which periodontitis and antibacterial immunity lead to alveolar bone and tooth loss are poorly understood . To study the human immune response to specific periodontal infections, we transplanted human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HuPBLs) from periodontitis patients into NOD/SCID mice . Oral challenge of HuPBL-NOD/SCID mice with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a well-known Gram-negative anaerobic microorganism that causes human periodontitis, activates human CD4(+) T cells in the periodontium and triggers local alveolar bone destruction . Human CD4(+) T cells, but not CD8(+) T cells or B cells, are identified as essential mediators of alveolar bone destruction . Stimulation of CD4(+) T cells by A . actinomycetemcomitans induces production of osteoprotegerin ligand (OPG-L), a key modulator of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation . In vivo inhibition of OPG-L function with the decoy receptor OPG diminishes alveolar bone destruction and reduces the number of periodontal osteoclasts after microbial challenge . These data imply that the molecular explanation for alveolar bone destruction observed in periodontal infections is mediated by microorganism-triggered induction of OPG-L expression on CD4(+) T cells and the consequent activation of osteoclasts . Inhibition of OPG-L may thus have therapeutic value to prevent alveolar bone and/or tooth loss in human periodontitis.

Semin Respir Infect, 2000 Jun, 15(2), 114 - 8
Laboratory diagnosis of anaerobic pleuropulmonary infections; Verma P; Anaerobic organisms play a major role in pleuropulmonary infections . Clinical manifestations range from simple aspiration to acute, severe, necrotizing pneumonias to chronic infections, such as lung abscess and empyema . Implicated pathogens are usually of endogenous origin . Laboratory diagnosis of anaerobic pleuropulmonary infections is based on recovering the etiological agent from clinical specimens . Appropriate specimens include pleuml fluid, transtracheal aspirates, transthoracic aspirates and fiberoptic bronchoscopic aspirates . Collection and transport of uncontaminated specimens is crucial to the recovery of the causative agents . Evaluation of a Gram's stain of clinical material provides a guide to initial therapy . Pigmented and non-pigmented Prevotella species, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus species, and Bacteriodes species are the most commonly recovered anaerobes in pleuropulmonary infections . Successful treatment of anaerobic pleuropulmonary infections requires a combination of antibiotic therapy and surgical interventions . Routine susceptibility testing of recovered isolates is rarely warranted.

J Int Med Res, 2000 May-Jun, 28(3), 143 - 7
Characterization of Peptostreptococcus species in skin infections; Higaki S et al.; We examined the characteristics of Peptostreptococcus species in infectious skin diseases . P . magnus was the species identified most frequently, followed by P . asaccharolyticus . Peptostreptococcus species were mainly isolated from infected atheroma and secondary infections due to ulcers; their resistance to five antimicrobial agents was generally low . The resistance of the three predominant Peptostreptococcus species to the antimicrobials was similar to that of all of the Peptostreptococcus species . The predominant Peptostreptococcus species isolated from infected atheroma might be pathogenic . It was considered that the presence of anaerobes as well as aerobes was important to induce the infectious condition.

Gastroenterology, 2000 Sep, 119(3), 806 - 15
Mechanism for the transit-induced increase in colonic deoxycholic acid formation in cholesterol cholelithiasis; Thomas LA et al.; BACKGROUND & AIMS: Many patients with cholesterol gallbladder stones (GBS) have a high percentage of deoxycholic acid (DCA) in gallbladder bile (all of which are in the conjugated form), probably as a result of prolonged large bowel transit times (LBTT) . However, whether the prolonged LBTT increases DCA formation, solubilization, or absorption (or all 3) is not known . METHODS: In 40 subjects (20 with GBS; age range, 24-74 years), we measured LBTT using radiopaque markers, and intestinal luminal pH by radiotelemetry . We also measured quantitative anaerobic bacteriology and the activities of 2 bile acid-metabolizing enzymes in fresh cecal aspirates obtained during clinically indicated unprepared colonoscopy, and related these results to the percentage of DCA in fasting serum measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry . RESULTS: Compared with controls, GBS patients had longer LBTT (mean 23.1 +/- SEM 2.8 h vs . 36.5 +/- 3.3 h; P < 0.01); more total (2.7 +/- 0.6 x 10(9) vs . 5.9 +/- 1.5 x 10(9) cfu/mL) and Gram-positive (9.5 +/- 3.1 x 10(8) vs . 18.0 +/- 4.1 x 10(8) cfu/mL; P < 0.05) anaerobes; and greater 7alpha-dehydroxylating (7alpha-DH) activity (3.39 +/- 0.59 vs . 10.37 +/- 1.15 x 10(-4) U/mg protein) in the cecal aspirates . They also had higher intracolonic pH values (P < 0.02) and increased percentages of DCA in fasting serum (13.4% +/- 1.52% vs . 21.8% +/- 2 . 19%; P < 0.005) . Results of univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that LBTT was critical in determining the percentage of DCA in serum and showed that 7alpha-DH activity and apparent distal colonic pH were also significant independent variables . CONCLUSIONS: Slow colonic transit (more time), increased Gram-positive anaerobes (more bacteria), and greater 7alpha-DH activity (more enzyme) favor enhanced DCA formation; transit-induced increases in distal colonic luminal pH favor enhanced DCA solubilization/bioavailability; and increases in LBTT (more time) again favor DCA absorption.

Curr Pharm Des, 2000 Oct, 6(15), 1545 - 55
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Helicobacter pylori: sensitivity test results and their clinical relevance; Osato MS; There are multiple test methodologies to determine the antibiogram of an organism . Standardized susceptibility test methods are based upon rapidly growing, aerobic microorganisms in which overnight incubation results in definitive endpoints . In vitro susceptibility testing for fastidious organisms that require complex media for growth, require incubation in atmospheres other than ambient air, or are slow-growing (anaerobes, mycobacteria, filamentous fungi) are problematic and in general are not standardized . H . pylori falls into this category of troublesome organisms . For the microaerobic organism H . pylori, testing is challenging because the organism grows slowly even under optimal culture conditions . Recently the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) approved the agar dilution method as the test of choice for testing H . pylori . While not entirely reliable in predicting the outcome of treatment for metronidazole resistant organisms, the resistance determined for clarithromycin by this method generally predicts treatment failure . Quality control breakpoints for H . pylori ATCC 43504 were established and breakpoints for clarithromycin were approved by the NCCLS in 1999 . Breakpoints are minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of a drug at which an organism is deemed either susceptible or resistant to the antibiotic using standard dosing regimens containing that drug . Significant progress has been made with respect to development of tests to detect antimicrobial resistance, but there still remains no consensus as to the breakpoints for agents used in the treatment of H . pylori infection other than clarithromycin . This article will address the controversies associated with the reporting of antibiotic resistance data and the interpretation of these data.

Ann Urol (Paris), 2000 Jun, 34(3), 158 - 60
{Emphysematous pyelonephritis: a case report}; Kanjaa N et al.; In this study, a case of emphysematous pyelonephritis has been reported in a 70-year old diabetic male with a non-functional contralateral kidney . In spite of appropriate medical treatment and surgical drainage, the outcome was negative . The case in question concerned a rare form of the disease, i.e., emphysematous pyelonephritis, a severe and necrotizing infection which is characterized by the presence of intraparenchymal gas produced by anaerobic bacteria, and the rapid development of acute sepsis or septic shock . Medical treatment alone is seldom sufficient, and surgical intervention, in most instances consisting of radical nephrectomy rather than surgical drainage, is advocated due to the extent of the necrotic lesions.

Infect Immun, 2000 Sep, 68(9), 5247 - 53
Characterization of Porphyromonas gingivalis insertion sequence-like element ISPg5; Califano JV et al.; Porphyromonas gingivalis, a black-pigmented, gram-negative anaerobe, is found in periodontitis lesions, and its presence in subgingival plaque significantly increases the risk for periodontitis . In contrast to many bacterial pathogens, P . gingivalis strains display considerable variability, which is likely due to genetic exchange and intragenomic changes . To explore the latter possibility, we have studied the occurrence of insertion sequence (IS)-like elements in P . gingivalis W83 by utilizing a convenient and rapid method of capturing IS-like sequences and through analysis of the genome sequence of P . gingivalis strain W83 . We adapted the method of Matsutani et al . (S . Matsutani, H . Ohtsubo, Y . Maeda, and E . Ohtsubo, J . Mol . Biol . 196:445-455, 1987) to isolate and clone rapidly annealing DNA sequences characteristic of repetitive regions within a genome . We show that in P . gingivalis strain W83, such sequences include (i) nucleotide sequence with homology to tRNA genes, (ii) a previously described IS element, and (iii) a novel IS-like element . Analysis of the P . gingivalis genome sequence for the distribution of the least used tetranucleotide, CTAG, identified regions in many of the initial 218 contigs which contained CTAG clusters . Examination of these CTAG clusters led to the discovery of 11 copies of the same novel IS-like element identified by the repeated sequence capture method of Matsutani et al . This new 1,512-bp IS-like element, designated ISPg5, has features of the IS3 family of IS elements . When a recombinant plasmid containing much of ISPg5 was used in Southern analysis of several P . gingivalis strains, including clinical isolates, diversity among strains was apparent . This suggests that ISPg5 and other IS elements may contribute to strain diversity and can be used for strain fingerprinting.

J Med Microbiol, 2000 Aug, 49(8), 747 - 51
Evaluation of a phenotypic scheme for identification of the 'butyrate-producing' Peptostreptococcus species; Wilson MJ et al.; Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) are isolated from approximately one quarter of all infections involving anaerobic bacteria . However, studies of the significance of this group of pathogens have been hindered by an inadequate taxonomy and the lack of a valid identification scheme . In the present study, a phenotypic scheme for the identification of 'butyrate-producing' GPAC based on the analysis of volatile fatty acid profiles by gas-liquid chromatography, biochemical profiles (including the use of the rapid ID 32 A commercial kit) and carbohydrate fermentation reactions, was evaluated . The identity of 68 clinical isolates of GPAC was determined by application of the scheme published by Murdoch . The scheme was found to be easy to apply and only four of the test isolates could not be readily assigned to a species or well-defined group . The species most frequently identified in the test collection were Peptostreptoccoccus vaginalis, P . tetradius and the betaGAL group . A large number of strains was assigned to the heterogeneous 'prevotii/tetradius' group . Some species regarded as being restricted to particular clinical sites were shown to be more widespread than previously thought . The clinical source of the isolates did not show any consistent correlation with species identity.

Microbiology, 2000 Aug, 146 ( Pt 8), 1999 - 2008
Primary sequence and enzymic properties of two modular endoglucanases, Cel5A and Cel45A, from the anaerobic fungus Piromyces equi; Eberhardt RY et al.; Two endoglucanase cDNAs, designated cel5A and cel45A, were isolated from a cDNA library of the anaerobic fungus Piromyces equi . Sequence analysis revealed that cel5A has an open reading frame of 5142 bp and encodes a 1714 amino acid modular enzyme, Cel5A, with a molecular mass of 194847 Da . Cel5A consists of four catalytic domains homologous to family-5 glycosyl hydrolases, two C-terminal dockerins and one N-terminal dockerin . This is the first report of a complete gene containing tandem repeats of family-5 catalytic domains . The cDNA cel45A has an open reading frame of 1233 bp and encodes a 410 amino acid modular enzyme, Cel45A, with a molecular mass of 44380 Da . The catalytic domain, located at the C terminus, is homologous to the family-45 glycosyl hydrolases . Cel45A is the first family-45 enzyme to be described in an anaerobe . The presence of dockerins at the N and C termini of Cel5A and at the N terminus of Cel45A implies that both enzymes are part of the high-molecular-mass cellulose-degrading complex produced by Piromyces equi . The catalytic domain nearest the C terminus of Cel5A and the catalytic domain of Cel45A were hyperexpressed as thioredoxin fusion proteins, Trx-Cel5A' and Trx-Cel45A', and subjected to biochemical analysis . Trx-Cel5A' has a broad substrate range, showing activity against carboxymethylcellulose, acid-swollen cellulose, barley beta-glucan, lichenin, carob galactomannan, p-nitrophenyl beta-D-cellobiopyranoside and xylan . Trx-Cel45A' is active against carboxymethylcellulose, acid-swollen cellulose and the mixed linkage glucans, barley beta-glucan and lichenin.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2000 May-Jun, (3), 69 - 71
{The possibility of using the data on the content of volatile fatty acids for the indirect demonstration of the causative agents of suppurative-inflammatory diseases in the pathological material}; Akaizin ES; The use of the quantitative content of volatile fatty acids as marker for the indication of the causative agents of pyo-inflammatory diseases in material taken from wounds is proposed . Thus, in 71% of cases the detection of acetic acid in a purulent wound coincided with the bacteriological isolation of monocultures, as well as associations, of facultative anaerobic bacteria . The analysis of isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, valeric and acetic acids permitted the rapid detection of associations of obligate and facultative anaerobic bacteria in an individual patient . Changes in the quantitative content of volatile fatty acids in pathological material integrally reflected the dynamics of the causative agents of purulent infections and the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.

Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2000 Aug, 38(4), 328 - 30
Rate of loss of irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide) from the mouth: a prospective study; McCaul LK et al.; We aimed to find out how long irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide) remained in the oral tissues and to investigate the effect of chlorhexidine mouthwash on absorption time and bacterial growth on sutures . Twenty-one volunteers each had two Vicryl Rapide sutures placed intraorally under local anaesthesia . Ten of these subjects used chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily . After 7 days, one suture was removed to be cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . The other was monitored for time from insertion to loss . The median survival value was 3 days (range 1-13) . The median number of days to suture loss was less in the chlorhexidine group (3, range 1-11) than in the control group (4, range 1-13) but this was not significant . There were no significant differences in aerobic and anaerobic counts between the two groups . Vicryl Rapide may be useful for intraoral use .

J Clin Periodontol, 2000 Jul, 27(7), 531 - 5
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans-associated peri-implantitis in an edentulous patient . A case report; van Winkelhoff AJ et al.; BACKGROUND: Peri-implantitis is a risk factor for implant loss . Late bacterial infection of the peri-implant tissues and loss of alveolar bone in edentulous patients is caused by commensal oral anaerobic bacteria . In partially edentulous patients, Porphyromonas gingivalis and occasionally Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans are associated with peri-implantitis lesions . AIMS: To investigate the microbiology of a peri-implantitis case in an edentulous patient . METHODS: Anaerobic culture techniques and selective culture techniques for A . actinomycetemcomitans were used to study the peri-implant microflora at sites with and without bone loss . RESULTS: An anaerobic peri-implant microflora with several putative periodontal pathogens was found at sites with bone loss . Furthermore, a metronidazole-resistant A . actinomycetemcomitans was isolated . The A . actinomycetemcomitans infection did not respond to systemic doxycycline therapy, despite good susceptibility in vitro . CONCLUSIONS: The present case of severe A . actinomycetemcomitans-associated peri-implantitis shows the importance of pre-operative infection control . The findings in this case show that remaining teeth affected by periodontitis can be a serious risk factor for peri-implantitis.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 2000 Jun, 35(6), 632 - 6
Chagasic megacolon and proximal jejunum microbiota; Guimaraes Quintanilha AG et al.; BACKGROUND: Among other factors, control of jejunal microflora depends on intestinal emptiness, and it can be impaired by Chagas disease . This study was developed to identify the microecology of the proximal jejunum in chagasic megacolon . Our objective was to characterize both the jejunal microbial stasis before surgery and the microflora after surgical treatment in patients with chagasic megacolon . METHODS: The intestinal fluids were collected, and the proximal jejunum microflora was analyzed . RESULTS: Preoperative microflora had shown an increase in bacteria compatible with bacterial overgrowth syndrome, mainly facultative and strict anaerobes microorganisms and fungi . The microflora had changed in the postoperative period in 83% of these patients, with significant decrease in the number of transient microorganisms . CONCLUSIONS: Chagasic megacolon was related to an increase in jejunal microflora . By removing the impairment of the colon there was a transient decrease in the proximal jejunum microflora.

Br J Biomed Sci, 2000, 57(2), 156 - 62
Fusobacterial infections: an underestimated threat; Roberts GL; The involvement of fusobacteria in a wide range of human and animal infection has long been recognised . Slow-growing anaerobes, often in polymicrobial culture, they are not always identified but are present mainly in the oropharynx, from where they are bloodborne to other sites or aspirated into the lung . Fusobacterium nucleatum is commonly found in periodontal disease and produces tissue irritants such as butyric acid, proteases and cytokines . It has strong adhesive properties due to the presence of lectins, and these outer-membrane proteins mediate adhesion to epithelia and tooth surfaces, and coagglutination with other suspected pathogens . F . necrophorum may cause necrotising tonsillitis and septicaemia, leading to the spread of infection and the development of abscesses in the lung and brain--a form of Lemierre's syndrome . Calf diphtheria, foot rot and other infections in animals are well defined, with the pathogenic mechanisms involving leucotoxins, endotoxins and adhesins . A foul smell produced by butyric acid and other metabolic products is common to all fusobacterial infections . Identification using simple tests is within the scope of most laboratories.

Harefuah, 1998 Nov 1, 135(9), 360 - 3, 407
{The diagnosis and treatment of Fournier's gangrene}; Cohen M et al.; We treated 2 women and 8 men suffering from Fournier's gangrene during 1990-96 . 2 had diabetes, 1 suffered from ulcerative colitis and 1 was an alcoholic . In 8 of them the infection was triggered by a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Treatment consisted of repeated wide debridement and early colostomy . This aggressive approach resulted in relief of the septic signs within 24 hours and permitted early skin grafting of the wounds . 2 patients died due to sepsis that caused multiple organ failure . The 8 who survived were hospitalized for an average of 35 days . On follow-up examination 1-5 years later all patients had undergone closure of the colostomy and were completely rehabilitated . Fournier's gangrene is not rare in the geriatric population . We believe that early diagnosis and aggressive wide debridement, combined with early colostomy, are the keys to successful treatment.

Ann Acad Med Stetin, 1999, 45, 239 - 52
{Possibilities and efficacy of treating perio-endodontic syndrome type III}; Wiernicka M; The aim of the investigation was to assess two methods of the treatment of III type perio-endo syndrome by Simon, Glick and Frank . In group I only periodontic treatment was performed including scaling, root planing and curettage . In group II periodontic treatment was supplemented by endodontic therapy . The results were registered by: Plaque Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, Sulcus Fluid Rate, Bone Lost Index EMR, pocket depth and tooth mobility; before treatment, 7 days after treatment, 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment . In group II in selected cases (teeth with vital pulp and pocket depth more than 6 mm), microbiological examination of the dental pulp and dental plaque from the pocket was carried out . The results showed that the periodontal therapy was not effective . In first group, after 6 months the teeths mobility was extend, the pocket depth was reduced by 1 mm only, in gingiva there was registered still with chronic inflammation and the bone growth was not significant . In the second group the teeth mobility was less significant, the pocket depth was reduced more than 3.5 mm, in 21% persons the gingiva was in good health condition and the bone growth was significant (7.5%) . The anaerobic bacteria were incubated in 9 probes of dental pulp for 10 examinations.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2000 May, 14 Suppl 2, 39 - 47
Review: pathogenesis of gallstones; Dowling RH; The aim of this article is to review selected aspects of the pathogenesis of cholesterol-rich, gall-bladder stones (GBS)--with emphasis on recent developments in biliary cholesterol saturation, cholesterol microcrystal nucleation, statis within the gall-bladder and, particularly, on the roles of intestinal transit and altered deoxycholic acid (DCA) metabolism, in GBS development . In biliary cholesterol secretion, transport and saturation, recent developments include evidence in humans and animals, that bile lipid secretion is under genetic control . Thus in mice the md-2 gene, and in humans the MDR-3 gene, encodes for a canalicular protein that acts as a 'flippase' transporting phospholipids from the inner to the outer hemi-leaflet of the canalicular membrane . In the absence of this gene, there is virtually no phospholipid or cholesterol secretion into bile . Furthermore, when inbred strains of mice that have 'lith genes' are fed a lithogenic diet, they become susceptible to high rates of GBS formation . The precipitation/nucleation of cholesterol microcrystals from supersaturated bile remains a critical step in gallstone formation . methods of studying this phenomenon have now been refined from the original 'nucleation time' to measurement of cholesterol appearance/detection times, and crystal growth assays . Furthermore, the results of recent studies indicate that, in addition to classical Rhomboid-shape monohydrate crystals, cholesterol can also crystallize, transiently, as needle-, spiral- and tubule-shaped crystals of anhydrous cholesterol . A lengthy list of promoters, and a shorter list of inhibitors, has now been defined . There are many situations where GB stasis in humans is associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation--including iatrogenic stone formation in acromegalic patients treated chronically with octreotide (OT) . As well as GB stasis, however, OT-treated patients all have 'bad' bile which is supersaturated with cholesterol, has excess cholesterol in vesicles, rapid microcrystal mulceation times and a two-fold increase in the percentage DCA in bile . This increase in the proportion of DCA seems to be due to OT-induced prolongation of large bowel transit time (LBTT) . Thus LBTT is linearly related to (i) the percentage of DCA in serum; (ii) the DCA pool size; and (III) the DCA input or 'synthesis' rate . Furthermore, the intestinal prokinetic, cisapride, counters the adverse effects of OT on intestinal transit, and 'normalizes' the percentage of DCA in serum/bile . Patients with spontaneous gallstone disease also have prolonged LBTTs, more colonic gram-positive anaerobes, increased bile acid metabolizing enzymes and higher intracolonic pH values, than stone-free controls . Together, these changes lead to increased DCA formation, solubilization and absorption, Thus, in addition to the 'lithogenic liver' and 'guilty gall-bladder' one must now add the 'indolent intestine' to the list of culprits in cholesterol gallstone formation.

Infect Immun, 2000 Aug, 68(8), 4746 - 51
Interleukin-1 receptor signaling rather than that of tumor necrosis factor is critical in protecting the host from the severe consequences of a polymicrobe anaerobic infection; Graves DT et al.; Infection of the dental pulp leads to an osteolytic lesion that results from a polymicrobial infection consisting largely of pathogenic anaerobes . Infection causes significant morbidity and mortality mediated by bacterial factors and in some cases by the up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines . The inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), in particular, play a complex and central role in the responses to microbial pathogens . However, relatively little is known about the significance of these cytokines in protecting the host from focal polymicrobial anaerobic infections . To establish the relative importance of IL-1 and TNF in mediating the response to a mixed anaerobic infection, we inoculated the dental pulp of mice with six anaerobic pathogens containing functional deletions of receptors to IL-1 (IL-1R1(-/-)), TNF (TNFRp55(-/-)-p75(-/-)), or both (TNFRp55(-/-)-IL-1RI(-/-)) . The results indicate that IL-1 receptor signaling and TNF receptor signaling both play similarly important roles in protecting the host from local tissue damage . However, IL-1 receptor signaling is considerably more important than TNF receptor signaling in preventing the spread of infection into surrounding fascial planes, since IL-1R1(-/-) but not TNFRp55(-/-)-p75(-/-) mice exhibited significantly higher morbidity and mortality . Moreover, all of the fatal infections occurred in male mice, suggesting the importance of gender differences in limiting the impact of these infections.

Cancer Radiother, 2000 May-Jun, 4(3), 175 - 80
{Can gene transfer be used to modify the response to radiotherapy?}; Marangoni E et al.; Several recent studies suggest that gene transfer can be combined with irradiation to increase anti-tumor efficacy . Among genes of particular interest to be used in this combined approach are those involved in the regulation of radiation-induced lethality (apoptosis, DNA repair) . Some additional aspects appear to be relatively specific to these combinations, such as the type of vector to be used (anaerobic bacteria) or the type of promoter (radio-inducible promoters) . The first results obtained in mice bearing human xenograft tumors, combining gene transfer and irradiation, are encouraging, but no clinical study has been performed so far . Finally it should be pointed out, in this area as well as in cancer gene therapy in general, that progress in gene vectorisation is mandatory to optimize gene distribution within the tumor.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1999 Dec, 14(6), 352 - 7
Prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing strains among 149 anaerobic gram-negative rods isolated from periodontal pockets; Fosse T et al.; In a prospective study, 47 adults presenting a rapidly progressive periodontitis were selected in order to evaluate the prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing strains among oral anaerobic gram-negative rods . Predominant anaerobes were identified from two of the deepest periodontal pockets . beta-Lactamase-positive strains fulfilled to at least two of three criteria: positive nitrocefin test, penicillin Etest minimal inhibitory concentration > 1 microgram/ml, and disk diffusion synergy between amoxycillin and clavulanic acid > 10 mm . At least one beta-lactamase-producing strain was found in 53.2% of patients and 39.4% of the periodontal pockets investigated . Prominent beta-lactamase-positive species were Prevotella buccae and Prevotella intermedia (respectively 16 of 38: 42% and 18 of 52: 35% positive strains), followed by Prevotella bivia, Prevotella disiens, Prevotella denticola and Fusobacterium nucleatum (respectively 1 of 6: 17%, 1 of 10: 10%, 1 of 10: 10%, and 1 of 13: 8% positive strains) . No beta-lactamase producer could be evidenced in Porphyromonas gingivalis (10 strains tested) . All the beta-lactamase-positive strains with the nitrocefin test had penicillin minimal inhibitory concentrations > 1 microgram/ml with the Etest, and a strong synergy between amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was always observed.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2000 Jul, 66(7), 3119 - 24
Expression of nifH genes in natural microbial assemblages in Lake George, New York, detected by reverse transcriptase PCR; Zani S et al.; A modified nested reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) method was used to detect the expression of nitrogenase genes in meso-oligotrophic Lake George, New York . Net (>20-microm pore size) plankton samples collected from two sites (Dome Island and Hague Marina) were extracted for total RNA and genomic DNA to determine the identity of diazotrophic organisms that were present and those that were actively expressing nitrogenase genes . Phylogenetic analysis of individual sequences cloned from PCR amplifications showed that there were phylogenetically diverse groups of bacteria that possessed a nifH gene, including representatives of unicellular and filamentous cyanobacteria, the alpha- and gamma-subdivisions of the division Proteobacteria (alpha- and gamma-proteobacteria), and a previously undefined group of bacteria . The phylotypes cloned from RT-PCR amplifications, which were actively expressing nifH transcripts, clustered with the unicellular and filamentous cyanobacteria, alpha-proteobacteria, and the novel bacterial cluster . No bacterial sequences were found which clustered with sequences from cluster II (alternative nitrogenases), III (nitrogenases in strict anaerobes), or IV (nifH-like sequences) . These results indicate that there were several distinct groups of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the net plankton from both sampling sites and that most of the groups had representative phylotypes that were actively expressing nitrogenase genes.

Microb Ecol, 2000 May, 39(4), 273 - 281
Characterization of Microbial Consortia in Paddy Rice Soil by Phospholipid Analysis; Bai Q et al.; Microbial biomass and community structure in paddy rice soil during the vegetation period of rice were estimated by analysis of their phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA), hydroxy fatty acids of lipopolysaccharides (LPS-HYFA), and phospholipid ether lipids (PLEL) directly extracted from the soil . A clear change in the composition of the community structure at different sampling periods was observed, indicated by the principal component analysis of the PLFA . A dramatic decline of ester-linked PLFA was observed in the soil samples taken at the second sampling time . In contrast to the ester-linked PLFA, the non-ester-linked PLFA composition did not change . The hydroxy fatty acids of lipopolysaccharides as well as ether lipids decreased consecutively during the observation period . Total microbial abundance was estimated to be (4.1-7.3) x 10(9) cells g(-1) soil (dry weight) . About 44% account for aerobic and 32% for facultative anaerobic bacteria, and 24% for archaea, on average . According to the profile and patterns of PLFA in the soil sample, it may be suggested that the paddy soil at the August sampling period contained more abundant facultative anaerobic bacteria (ca . 36%) and archaea (ca . 37%), but the total microbial biomass was significantly lower than in the remaining sampling periods . As the plant approached maturity, the microbial community structure in the soil changed to contain more abundant Gram-negative bacteria and methanotrophs.

J Biol Chem, 2000 Sep 15, 275(37), 28439 - 48
Neelaredoxin, an iron-binding protein from the syphilis spirochete, Treponema pallidum, is a superoxide reductase; Jovanovic T et al.; Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of venereal syphilis, is a microaerophilic obligate pathogen of humans . As it disseminates hematogenously and invades a wide range of tissues, T . pallidum presumably must tolerate substantial oxidative stress . Analysis of the T . pallidum genome indicates that the syphilis spirochete lacks most of the iron-binding proteins present in many other bacterial pathogens, including the oxidative defense enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, but does possess an orthologue (TP0823) for neelaredoxin, an enzyme of hyperthermophilic and sulfate-reducing anaerobes shown to possess superoxide reductase activity . To analyze the potential role of neelaredoxin in treponemal oxidative defense, we examined the biochemical, spectroscopic, and antioxidant properties of recombinant T . pallidum neelaredoxin . Neelaredoxin was shown to be expressed in T . pallidum by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis . Recombinant neelaredoxin is a 26-kDa alpha(2) homodimer containing, on average, 0.7 iron atoms/subunit . Mossbauer and EPR analysis of the purified protein indicates that the iron atom exists as a mononuclear center in a mixture of high spin ferrous and ferric oxidation states . The fully oxidized form, obtained by the addition of K(3)(Fe(CN)(6)), exhibits an optical spectrum with absorbances at 280, 320, and 656 nm; the last feature is responsible for the protein's blue color, which disappears upon ascorbate reduction . The fully oxidized protein has a A(280)/A(656) ratio of 10.3 . Enzymatic studies revealed that T . pallidum neelaredoxin is able to catalyze a redox equilibrium between superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, a result consistent with it being a superoxide reductase . This finding, the first description of a T . pallidum iron-binding protein, indicates that the syphilis spirochete copes with oxidative stress via a primitive mechanism, which, thus far, has not been described in pathogenic bacteria.

Int J STD AIDS, 2000 Jun, 11(6), 349 - 55
Actinomycosis in HIV infection: a review of a rare complication; Chaudhry SI et al.; The emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the onset of the AIDS epidemic has been associated with the frequent presentation of otherwise rare opportunistic infections and neoplasms . Despite the impairments of cellular and humoral immunity that accompany HIV infection, the prevalence of actinomycosis in the HIV-infected population has remained low . This article reviews previously reported cases of actinomycosis in HIV-positive and AIDS patients . Microbiological, pathological, diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic aspects of actinomycosis in this population are discussed . Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of actinomycosis as the cause of a persistent inflammatory lesion in these patients and know the correct techniques for collecting and submitting tissue specimens for anaerobic culture.

J Bone Joint Surg Br, 1999 May, 81(3), 440 - 3
Effectiveness of bone cement containing tobramycin . An in vitro susceptibility study of 99 organisms found in infected joint arthroplasty; Scott CP et al.; We used 99 strains of organisms representative of orthopaedic infections to examine the effectiveness of a bone cement containing tobramycin, employing a modified in vitro Kirby-Bauer susceptibility model . The spectrum was broad, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic organisms, anaerobes and mycobacteria . Simplex P with added tobramycin was effective against most of the strains, including those which are resistant to typical systemic levels of tobramycin . Although direct correlation between in vitro and in vivo results is difficult, the study showed that tobramycin is stable to the exothermic polymerisation of the cement, and that it is released from the surface of the cement at concentrations high enough to inhibit the growth of most organisms which may be encountered after joint arthroplasty.

Med Arh, 1999, 53(3 Suppl 3), 79 - 81
{An addition to the clinical algorithm for treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia in Bosnia-Herzegovina: a multicenter prospective study in Sarajevo}; Mehic B et al.; The Patient Pneumonia Outcomes Research Team (PORT) has developed a scoring system that allows the severity of illness to be quantitatively measured . Using an algorithm, the patient can be classified as to risk . The total number of points assigned to the patient increases risk of poor outcome . Patients in risk classes I, II and III have an expected mortality (< 5%) and should be managed as outpatients . Patients with risk class IV and V have mortality rates of 8-29% and should be admitted to the hospital . Patients with risk class V will usually require intensive care . AIM: We started a multicenter prospective study in Sarajevo, to investigate some differences in demographic factors, comorbid diseases, physical examination findings, laboratory findings, the duration, complications and mortality in our population with CAP, than in recommended algorithm . MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recorded the cases of 163 patients (100 male, 63 female) with mean age 58.6 years (17-91) . The sample was statistical elaborated with tests of distribution frequency and hi square test . RESULTS: Between demographic factors, as significant, beside age, there was nicotine abuse in 53% (for our CAP population) . In comorbid diseases as significant disease beside preexisting cancer (10.5%), chronic liver disease (4%), renal disease (13%), congestive hearth failure (27%), cerebrovascular disease (5%), there was COPD (31%) and diabetes mellitus (9%) . Some differences were in physical examination findings, and laboratory findings . The duration of illness, complications and mortality in our CAP population was like in other studies . CONCLUSIONS: This work speaks us that our CAP population has some differences in observed characteristics of scoring system . But, without regard to all this, patients with following characteristics should also be admitted to an intensive-care unit and would be classified as patients with severe pneumonia: hypotensia (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg), impending respiratory failure that may require mechanical ventilation, hypoxaemia (pO2 < 60 mm Hg), hemodynamic instability, heart failure, diabetes mellitus (tip I), COPD, poor dental hygiene (anaerobes--necrotizing pneumonia, empyema, abscess).

Urology . 2000 Jul 1;56(1):153.
Fournier's gangrene caused by Candida species as the primary organism; Johnin K et al.; Fournier's gangrene is a rare entity caused by polymicrobial aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . We report a case of Fournier's gangrene caused by Candida as the primary organism . A 65-year-old man presented with perineal soft-tissue infections . He underwent surgical debridement and suprapubic cystostomy with both antifungal and antimicrobial therapy . The histopathologic examination revealed necrotizing fasciitis with Candida species as the sole initial pathogen . The case suggests that primary fungal pathogens should be considered as a causative organism of Fournier's gangrene.

Braz Dent J, 1999, 10(2), 93 - 7
Correlation between the CPITN score and anaerobic periodontal infections assessed by BANA assay; Grisi MF et al.; In the present investigation the ability of subgingival plaque to hydrolyze BANA (Perioscan) was correlated with CPITN scores . Among 281 sites investigated, 136 had a CPITN equal to 2 with a highly significant positive BANA value (107 sites) . A CPITN equal to 3 was also significantly BANA positive (90 sites) . These findings clearly demonstrate the relationship between CPITN and anaerobic microorganisms (BANA positive).

Obstet Gynecol, 2000 Jul, 96(1), 23 - 7
Bacteriology and treatment of malodorous lower reproductive tract in gynecologic cancer patients; Von Gruenigen VE et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine the bacteriology of lower genital tract cancers to direct potential treatment modalities and to determine the impact of treatment on quality of life . METHODS: Gram stain, saline preparations, tumor pH determinations, and anaerobic and aerobic tumor cultures were obtained from 13 consecutive patients with malodorous gynecologic cancers and 13 patients (controls) with nonmalodorous tumors . All patients with odor were treated with topical metronidazole for 7 days . Odor assessment questionnaires were administered daily in the treatment group . Quality-of-life evaluation was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy questionnaire before and after treatment . RESULTS: Cancer of the cervix (n = 21) was the most common primary site and accounted for 81% (95% confidence interval 61%, 93%) of malodorous gynecologic cancers . Eight of 13 (62%) patients with malodorous tumors had bacterial vaginosis compared with four of 13 (31%) of those without odor (P =.11) . Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated with equal frequency from malodorous gynecologic cancers . Results of odor assessment questionnaires showed a graded improvement with topical antibiotic therapy (P <.001) . The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy questionnaire indicated improved quality of life after therapy (P =.02) . CONCLUSION: Most patients with odor had bacterial vaginosis and had an improvement in odor with topical metronidazole . Therefore, this treatment might be useful for patients with malodorous pelvic tumors.

Int J Pancreatol, 2000 Apr, 27(2), 157 - 65
The effect of interleukin-6 on bacterial translocation in acute canine pancreatitis; Liu Q et al.; BACKGROUND: Bacterial translocation from the gut to mesenteric lymph nodes and other extraintestinal sites is an important source of infection in acute pancreatitis . Impaired host immunity is known to promote bacterial translocation . Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates the immune response, acute phase reaction, and hematopoiesis . METHODS: Twenty-four mongrel dogs (18-29 kg) were studied in four equal groups . In Groups I and II, acute pancreatitis was induced by direct pressure injection of 4% taurocholate and trypsin into the pancreatic duct at laparotomy . Groups III and IV had only laparotomy . Group I and III dogs were given IL-6 (50 microg/kg/d, sq) daily starting 24 h after operation and Group II and IV dogs received an equal volume of saline administered at similar time . All animals had blood drawn for culture, complete blood count (CBC), platelets, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and amylase on d 0, 1, 4, and 7 . On d 7, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen, liver, pancreas, and cecum were harvested for pathology study and for cultures of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Quantitative cecal cultures of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were obtained . RESULTS: All Group I and Group II dogs had severe pancreatitis . The increase of plasma CRP in Group I was sustained throughout treatment (1.3+/-0.3 on d 0 vs 3.1+/-0.3*, 3.0+/-0.3*, and 2.9+/-0.3* on d 1,4, and 7, respectively) . Plasma CRP was increased in Group II on d 1 and d 4 (1.3+/-0.3 mg/dL on d 0 vs 3.6+/-0.3* mg/dL on d 1, and 3.1+/-0.3* on d 4, *p < 0.05) . There were no differences in white blood cell (WBC) count, differential, platelets, and ESR between Groups I and II . Bacterial translocation to MLN was lower in Group I (1/6) than in Group II (6/6) (p < 0.05) . All 6 dogs in Group II had bacterial spread to distant sites compared to 2 of 6 dogs in Group I (p = 0.066) . Both MLN and other distant organ cultures were negative in Group III and only 1 of 6 MLN cultures was positive in Group IV . CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 treatment decreases bacterial translocation to MLN and may be beneficial in reducing septic complications in acute pancreatitis.

Lik Sprava, 2000 Mar, (2), 37 - 40
{The neutral lipid and total phospholipid content of the saliva in gingivitis and periodontitis}; Hereliuk VI; With the aid of a high-performance thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography, an increase has been found out in the mixed saliva content of long chain fatty acids, triacylglycerin, diacylglycerin, cholesterin, cholesterol esters, and total phospholipids in parodontium tissues inflammation (gingivitis, parodontitis) . In the gingiva fluid in parodontitis, the content of volatile fatty acids (C3-C6) and their isomeric forms was found to have gotten increased . Based on comparison of the content of certain lipid fractions in mixed and parotid saliva it has been shown that the main source of augmentation of fatty acid is the gingiva fluid, neutrophiles, and anaerobic microorganisms.

Biochem J, 2000 Jul 1, 349(Pt 1), 153 - 8
Identification and characterization of a novel cytochrome c(3) from Shewanella frigidimarina that is involved in Fe(III) respiration; Gordon EH et al.; Shewanella frigidimarina NCIMB400 is a non-fermenting, facultative anaerobe from the gamma group of proteobacteria . When grown anaerobically this organism produces a wide variety of periplasmic c-type cytochromes, mostly of unknown function . We have purified a small, acidic, low-potential tetrahaem cytochrome with similarities to the cytochromes c(3) from sulphate-reducing bacteria . The N-terminal sequence was used to design PCR primers and the cctA gene encoding cytochrome c(3) was isolated and sequenced . The EPR spectrum of purified cytochrome c(3) indicates that all four haem irons are ligated by two histidine residues, a conclusion supported by the presence of eight histidine residues in the polypeptide sequence, each of which is conserved in a related cytochrome c(3) and in the cytochrome domains of flavocytochromes c(3) . All four haems exhibit low midpoint redox potentials that range from -207 to -58 mV at pH 7; these values are not significantly influenced by pH changes . Shewanella cytochrome c(3) consists of a mere 86 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 11780 Da, including the four attached haem groups . This corresponds closely to the value of 11778 Da estimated by electrospray MS . To examine the function of this novel cytochrome c(3) we constructed a null mutant by gene disruption . S . frigidimarina lacking cytochrome c(3) grows well aerobically and its growth rate under anaerobiosis with a variety of electron acceptors is indistinguishable from that of the wild-type parent strain, except that respiration with Fe(III) as sole acceptor is severely, although not completely, impaired.

Infect Immun, 2000 Jul, 68(7), 4012 - 7
Identification of ragAB as a temperature-regulated operon of Porphyromonas gingivalis W50 using differential display of randomly primed RNA; Bonass WA et al.; Porphyromonas gingivalis is a gram-negative, black-pigmented anaerobe that has been associated with advanced periodontal disease . The genome of P . gingivalis has the potential to produce a number of virulence determinants including proteases, hemagglutinins, hemolysin, invasion-associated proteins, and products of the pathogenicity island ragAB; however, little is known about how their expression is controlled . Periodontal pockets experience a higher temperature during inflammation, and this elevated temperature may influence the pathogenicity of P . gingivalis by changing its patterns of gene expression . In this study, RNA has been isolated from cells of P . gingivalis grown to steady state at temperatures of 37, 39, and 41 degrees C under hemin excess conditions (pH 7.0) in a chemostat . The RNA was subjected to PCR amplification following reverse transcription, using various combinations of randomly selected oligonucleotide primers . Reproducible RNA fingerprints have been obtained; however, differences were demonstrated in the RNA profiles of cells grown at the three temperatures, indicating differences in gene expression . Several PCR fragments were isolated that appeared to represent temperature-regulated genes . The nucleotide sequence of one of these has been identified as part of the ragAB locus, which codes for both a 55-kDa immunodominant antigen (RagB) and a homologue of the family of TonB-linked outer membrane receptors (RagA) . These data indicate that expression of ragAB may be modulated in response to changes in temperature and that this may suggest a mechanism of evading the host response in the inflamed periodontal pocket.

Klin Khir, 2000, (3), 7 - 9
{Clinical sequelae of blood remaining in the intestinal inlet after the hemorrhage}; Kulachek FH et al.; In experiment there were revealed significant changes of composition of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms in the jejunum and ileum mucosa after hemorrhage of middle severity . While application of antibiotics these changes were more pronounced, demanding serious substantiation of its application.

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab, 1999, 12(5 Suppl 2), 603 - 10
Oral health in children and adolescents with IDDM--a review; Iughetti L et al.; Children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus have a lower salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity, but a higher glucose content and peroxidase, IgA, magnesium and calcium concentration, in comparison with healthy children . Nevertheless the incidence of caries is lower than normal in diabetic children with good metabolic control . Periodontal disease usually starts at puberty as mild gingivitis with bleeding and gingival recession, and it may develop into severe periodontitis, especially in children with poor control of diabetes . Microangiopathy, impaired immune response, different bacterial microflora and collagen metabolism are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic periodontal disease . The gingival flora is mostly composed of Gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria, while collagen has a lower solubility and is atrophic and inadequate to support the occlusion forces . For these reasons, prevention of periodontitis is important in diabetic children; they should receive oral hygiene instruction and visit a dentist at least twice a year.

Drugs, 2000, 59 Suppl 3, 9 - 18; discussion 47-9
Pharmacological properties of parenteral cephalosporins: rationale for ambulatory use; Strehl E et al.; Parenteral cephalosporins are among the most frequently used antibiotics in hospital therapy . They are characterised by an extended spectrum of activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and some also have good activity against anaerobes . They kill proliferating bacterial cells rapidly, and generally show only a low tendency to select resistant mutants . However, there are cephalosporin compounds which induce cephalosporinases very rapidly in certain microorganisms . Together with other beta-lactam antibiotics, parenteral cephalosporins interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis by inhibiting peptidoglycan cross-linkage . Because of this specific target, they are nontoxic to mammalian cells, and have a very favourable adverse effect profile . The chemical stability of parenteral cephalosporins in aqueous solution is good . After intravenous injection, high concentrations of these agents are achieved in serum and tissue . Most cephalosporins are eliminated unchanged via the kidney, with a half-life of 1 to 2 hours . But there are also derivatives with a serum half-life of more than 2 and up to 8 hours, allowing 12- or 24-hour dosage intervals . Because of their reliable efficacy and low risk of adverse effects, the parenteral cephalosporins offer a high degree of tolerability even in the setting of outpatient antibiotic therapy . In particular, the derivatives of the third generation are characterised by unique pharmacological properties.

Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 2000 May-Jun, 41(3), 250 - 60
Bone infection in the bovine appendicular skeleton: a clinical, radiographic, and experimental study; Verschooten F et al.; Four hundred and forty-five bovines with bone infection of the appendicular skeleton were selected for clinical and radiographic assessment . A distinction was made between hematogenous and post-traumatic origin (wound/fracture) . Bone infection was classified into four types according to the site of infection: type 1 is metaphyseal and/or epiphyseal osteomyelitis close to the growth plate; type 2 is primary subchondral osteomyelitis mostly accompanied by septic arthritis; type 3 is infectious osteoarthritis with subchondral osteomyelitis implicating that infection in the subchondral bone originates from the infection . Type 4 summarizes bone infections which can not be categorized in the previous groups . Hematogenous osteomyelitis is 3.2 times more frequent than post-traumatic osteomyelitis . Within the different groups, the relation of hematogenous to post-traumatic infection changed significantly . In type 1 infection the ratio was 5/1, in type 2 the ratio was 8/1 and in type 3 it was 3/1 . Epiphyseal or metaphyseal osteomyelitis exhibited early radiographic bone changes, whereas with infection eminating from the joint, the bone lesions were detected later, because the bone was infected as a consequence of a primary septic arthritis . In smaller bones, severe and complete bone destruction was often present . Hematogenous bone infection never involved the entire diaphysis . Actinomyces pyogenes was discovered to be the main etiologic agent, whether or not combined with anaerobes . Bone fragments from the metaphysis of young calves were subjected to the effect of pure cultures of different bacteria . Radiographic changes to the structure of the bone were not identified within 2 weeks . Rapid radiographic changes in osteomyelitis cannot be explained by the direct effect of the bacteria on bone tissue in vivo . General infections of the lungs, disorders of the intestines and other internal organs were rarely responsible for osteomyelitis or septic arthritis . Osteomyelitis and infectious osteoarthritis is probably often induced by external and internal traumatic events to joints and bones in cattle.

Biochemistry, 2000 Jun 13, 39(23), 6841 - 9
A bacterioferritin from the strict anaerobe Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 27774; Romao CV et al.; A bacterioferritin was isolated from the anaerobic bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 27774, grown with nitrate as the terminal electron acceptor, which is the first example of a bacterioferritin from a strict anaerobic organism . This new bacterioferritin was isolated mainly as a 24-mer of 20 kDa identical subunits, containing 0.5 noncovalently bound heme and 2 iron atoms per monomer . Although its N-terminal sequence is significantly homologous with ferritins from other microorganisms and the ligands to the di-iron ferroxidase center are conserved, it is one of the most divergent bacterioferritins so far characterized . Also, in contrast to all other known bacterioferritins, its heme is not of the B type; its chromatographic behavior is identical to that of iron uroporphyrin . Thus, D . desulfuricans bacterioferritin appears to be the second example of a protein unexpectedly containing this heme cofactor, or a closely related porphyrin, after its finding in Desulfovibrio gigas rubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase inverted question markTimkovich, R., Burkhalter, R . S., Xavier, A . V., Chen, L., and Le Gall, J . (1994) Bioorg . Chem . 22, 284-293 . The oxidized form of the protein has a visible spectrum characteristic of low-spin ferric hemes, exhibiting a weak absorption band at 715 nm, indicative of bis-methionine heme axial coordination; upon reduction, the alpha-band appears at 550 nm and a splitting of the Soret band occurs, with two maxima at 410 and 425 nm . The heme center has a reduction potential of 140 +/- 10 mV (pH 7.6), a value unusually high compared to that of other bacterioferritins (ca . -200 mV).

J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl, 2000 Apr 28, 741(1), 89 - 100
Routine analysis of short-chain fatty acids for anaerobic bacteria identification using capillary electrophoresis and indirect ultraviolet detection; Arellano M et al.; The diagnosis of anaerobes can be difficult to perform, using classical biochemical tests . Characterization of metabolic end-products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) was often used because of their reproducible biosynthesis . Despite this, SCFA are difficult to study using gas chromatography, due to their high volatility . Furthermore, the treatment of the samples are long and fastidious . Capillary electrophoresis and indirect UV detection (CE-indirect UV) is a well-known analytical method to study inorganic or organic anions . In this work, we validate the analysis of SCFA using CE-indirect UV detection . To do this, we studied the culture media of 98 anaerobic strains for the detection and quantitation of the following acids: succinic, pyruvic, acetic, lactic, propionic, 2-hydroxybutyric, butyric, 2-hydroxyvaleric, isovaleric, isocaproic, and 3-phenylpropionic . We verified that the CE-indirect UV detection analysis of SCFA for taxonomical data can be used as a mean for rapid identification for the study of anaerobes.

Chemosphere, 2000 Sep, 41(5), 705 - 10
Anaerobic degradation and toxicity of commercial cationic surfactants in anaerobic screening tests; Garcia MT et al.; Anaerobic biodegradability and toxicity on anaerobic bacteria of di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC) and two esterquats have been investigated . A batch test system containing municipal digester solids as a source of anaerobic bacteria, based on the method proposed by the ECETOC, has been applied . To evaluate the potential toxicity of such surfactants on anaerobic sludge, a co-substrate, an easily biodegradable compound in anaerobic conditions, has been added to the samples to test and the effects on biogas production have been determined . For the esterquats studied high biodegradation levels were obtained and no toxic effects on anaerobic bacteria were observed even at the highest concentrations tested, 100 and 200 mg C/l, respectively . On the contrary, DHTDMAC was not degradated at the same test conditions . However, no inhibitory effects on the biogas production were detected for this surfactant at concentrations <100 mg C/l.

Microbiology, 2000 May, 146 ( Pt 5), 1119 - 27
Ferritin from the obligate anaerobe Porphyromonas gingivalis: purification, gene cloning and mutant studies; Ratnayake DB et al.; Porphyromonas gingivalis is an obligate anaerobe that utilizes haem, transferrin and haemoglobin efficiently as sources of iron for growth, and has the ability to store haem on its cell surface, resulting in black pigmentation of colonies on blood agar plates . However, little is known about intracellular iron storage in this organism . Ferritin is one of the intracellular iron-storage proteins and may also contribute to the protection of organisms against oxidative stresses generated by intracellular free iron . A ferritin-like protein was purified from P . gingivalis and the encoding gene (ftn) was cloned from chromosomal DNA using information on its amino-terminal amino acid sequence . Comparison of the amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of ftn with those of known ferritins and bacterioferritins identified the protein as a ferritin and positioned it between proteins from the Proteobacteria and Thermotogales . The P . gingivalis ferritin was found to contain non-haem iron, thus confirming its identity . Construction and characterization of a P . gingivalis ferritin-deficient mutant revealed that the ferritin was particularly important for the bacterium to survive under iron-depleted conditions (both haemin and transferrin starvation), indicating that intracellular iron is stored in ferritin regardless of the iron source and that the iron stored in ferritin is utilized under iron-restricted conditions . However, the ferritin appeared not to contribute to protection against oxidative stresses caused by peroxides and atmospheric oxygen.

J Clin Pathol, 2000 Mar, 53(3), 231 - 3
Clinical value of anaerobic blood culture: a retrospective analysis of positive patient episodes; James PA et al.; AIM: To investigate the clinical value of anaerobic blood culture . METHODS: Blood culture bottles (n = 25,185) submitted for culture over a two year period were reviewed . RESULTS: The bottles yielded 1992 positive patient episodes, a positive rate of 14.4/1000 hospital admissions . Significantly more isolations were obtained from aerobic than from anaerobic bottles . Twelve of the 38 anaerobic episodes were detected in aerobic bottles . Clinical management was influenced in one of 24 patients whose cultures yielded anaerobes from anaerobic bottles only . For a further six patients it was unlikely that the result had any effect on clinical management . CONCLUSIONS: If aerobic bottles were substituted for the anaerobic bottles, detection of positive patient episodes would increase by at least 6% . A higher yield would be achieved by using two aerobic bottles for routine culture and using anaerobic bottles only for patients where anaerobic culture may influence clinical management.

Am Fam Physician, 2000 May 1, 61(9), 2741 - 8
New classification and update on the quinolone antibiotics; King DE et al.; The newer fluoroquinolones have broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, excellent oral bioavailability, good tissue penetration and favorable safety and tolerability profiles . A new four-generation classification of the quinolone drugs takes into account the expanded antimicrobial spectrum of the more recently introduced fluoroquinolones and their clinical indications . First-generation drugs (e.g., nalidixic acid) achieve minimal serum levels . Second-generation quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) have increased gram-negative and systemic activity . Third-generation drugs (e.g., levofloxacin) have expanded activity against gram-positive bacteria and atypical pathogens . Fourth-generation quinolone drugs (currently only trovafloxacin) add significant activity against anaerobes . The quinolones can be differentiated within classes based on their pharmacokinetic properties . The new classification can help family physicians prescribe these drugs appropriately.

Surg Today, 2000, 30(5), 454 - 7
Generalized peritonitis due to spontaneously perforated pyometra presenting as pneumoperitoneum: report of a case; Nakao A et al.; We report a rare case of generalized peritonitis due to a ruptured pyometra in an 86-year-old woman, and also conduct a review of the previous Japanese literature . The patient presented with muscle guarding and rebound tenderness . Computed tomography (CT) disclosed a cystic mass in the peritoneal cavity, in which an air-fluid level was noted . Pneumoperitoneum around the uterus due to gas production of anaerobic bacteria was noted on a CT . At laparotomy, the uterus was markedly enlarged with a necrotic area on the uterine fundus, which was found to be perforated . A supravaginal hysterectomy and drainage were performed . We found only eight cases of a ruptured pyometra presenting as pneumoperitoneum in the Japanese literature between 1977 and 1999 . The most common cause of pneumoperitoneum is a perforation of the gastrointestinal tract . However, other possible causes, as seen in our patient, should also be taken into consideration . Although it is rare, a perforated pyometra should therefore also be considered when elderly women present with acute abdominal pain.

Arch Microbiol, 2000 Apr, 173(4), 288 - 95
Initial steps in the fermentation of 3-hydroxybenzoate by Sporotomaculum hydroxybenzoicum; Muller JA et al.; The anaerobic bacterium Sporotomaculum hydroxybenzoicum ferments 3-hydroxybenzoate to acetate, butyrate, and CO2 . 3-Hydroxybenzoate was activated to 3-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA in a CoA-transferase reaction with acetyl-CoA or butyryl-CoA as CoA donors . 3-Hydroxybenzoyl-CoA was reductively dehydroxylated, forming benzoyl-CoA . This reaction was measured in cell-free extracts with cob(I)alamin as low-potential electron donor . No evidence was obtained that cob(I)alamin is the physiological electron donor; however, inhibitor studies indicated involvement of a strong nucleophile in the reaction . Benzoate was degraded by dense cell suspensions without a lag phase until an in situ deltaG' value <-25 kJ mol(-1) was reached . Benzoyl-CoA reductase was not detected . Enzyme activities for all reaction steps from glutaryl-CoA to butyryl-CoA, and ATP formation via acetate kinase were detected in cell-free extracts . Glutaconyl-CoA decarboxylase is likely to act as a primary sodium ion pump.

Chemotherapy, 2000, 46 Suppl 1, 24 - 31
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia; Bartlett J; Lower respiratory tract infections are the major cause of death due to infectious disease in the developed and developing world . Despite substantial progress in defining pathogens and in therapeutic options, there continues to be major controversies in the clinical management of these infections . This report reviews the guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), updated from the initial publication . Diagnosis should include a chest X-ray to differentiate acute bronchitis from pneumonia . The decision for hospitalization should be based on social factors and evaluation of severity of illness . Identification of an etiological agent for inpatients should include two pretreatment cultures, one pretreatment sputum specimen, with seriously ill patients requiring studies for Legionella spp . Recommendations for empiric treatment of outpatients are doxycycline, a macrolide or a fluoroquinolone . Recommendations for empiric treatment of hospitalized patients are a cephalosporin plus a macrolide, or a fluoroquinolone alone . Recommendations for ICU patients are a beta-lactam combined with either a macrolide or a fluoroquinolone . While concern has arisen about increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones, arguments in favor of these agents include the fact that they have good in vitro activity against nearly all treatable pathogens except some anaerobes . Clinical trials have shown equivalence or superiority compared to other standard agents . They are well tolerated, and can be administered intravenously or orally, once daily . A recent retrospective review has shown superior outcome with fluoroquinolone treatment compared to cephalosporins, including a 36% reduction in mortality .

Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2000;(2):CD001067.
Antibiotic regimens for endometritis after delivery; French LM et al.; BACKGROUND: Post-partum endometritis, which is more common after cesarean section, occurs when vaginal organisms invade the endometrial cavity during labour and delivery . Antibiotic treatment is warranted . OBJECTIVES: The effect of different antibiotic regimens for the treatment of postpartum endometritis on failure of therapy and complications was systematically reviewed . SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register . Date of last search: August 1999 . SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of different antibiotic regimens for postpartum endometritis, after cesarean section or vaginal delivery, where outcomes of treatment failure or complications were reported were selected . DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were abstracted independently by the reviewers . Comparisons were made between different types of antibiotic regimen, based on type of antibiotic and duration and route of administration . Summary relative risks were calculated . MAIN RESULTS: Forty-one trials were included . Overall the studies were methodologically poor . In the intent-to-treat analysis, fifteen studies comparing clindamycin and an aminoglycoside with another regimen showed more treatment failures with another regimen (relative risk (RR) 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 - 1.70) . Failures of those regimens with poor activity against penicillin resistant anaerobic bacteria were more likely (RR 1.73; 95% CI 1.14 - 2.63) . In four studies that compared continued oral antibiotic therapy after intravenous therapy, no differences were found in recurrent endometritis or other outcomes . There was no evidence of difference in incidence of allergic reactions . Cephalosporins were associated with less diarrhea . REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The combination of gentamicin and clindamyin is appropriate for the treatment of endometritis . Regimens with activity against penicillin resistant anaerobic bacteria are better than those without . There is no evidence that any one regimen is associated with fewer side effects . Once uncomplicated endometritis has clinically improved with intravenous therapy, oral therapy is not needed.

Am J Rhinol, 2000 Mar-Apr, 14(2), 101 - 5
The bacteriology of chronic rhinosinusitis: results using a novel culture device; Liu ES et al.; The bacteriology of chronic rhinosinusitis is an area of great interest among rhinologists . Numerous studies have reported culture results implicating a variety of aerobic and anaerobic organisms in the etiology of this disease process . Sampling is generally accomplished through the nasal cavity, creating the potential for contamination with resident nasal flora . In some reports, strict anaerobic techniques have not been used, possibly accounting for the failure to recover these fastidious organisms . In an attempt to clarify the microbiology of chronic rhinosinusitis, we used a novel culture and transport system in 50 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery . The Accu-CulShure (MLA Systems, Pleasantville, NY, USA) is a self-contained polyethylene culture swab and transport device, capable of collecting a representative sample from the sinus without contamination, and preserving the quality of the material during transport . Our aerobic and anaerobic culture results, as well as pertinent patient data, are presented . The Accu-CulShure device may permit standardization of culture techniques for future studies, and allow for more accurate determination of the microbiology of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2000 May, 14(5), 551 - 6
Rifaximin versus chlortetracycline in the short-term treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; Di Stefano M et al.; BACKGROUND: Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine is a condition characterized by nutrient malabsorption due to an excessive number of bacteria in the lumen of the small intestine . Current treatment is based on empirical courses of broad spectrum antibiotics; few controlled data, with respect to the duration and choice of antibiotic drug, exist at present . The recent availability of rifaximin, a non-absorbable rifamycin derivative, highly effective against anaerobic bacteria, prompted us to carry out a randomized, double-blind controlled trial in order to compare its efficacy and tolerability to those of tetracycline, currently considered the first-choice drug . METHODS: In 21 patients affected by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, fasting, peak and total H2 excretion after ingestion of 50 g glucose and severity of symptoms were evaluated before and after a 7-day course of rifaximin, 1200 mg/day (400 mg t.d.s.), or chlortetracycline, 1 g/day (333 mg t.d.s . ) . RESULTS: Fasting, peak and total H2 excretion decreased significantly in the group of patients treated with rifaximin whereas chlortetracycline did not modify these parameters . The H2 breath test normalized in 70% of patients after rifaximin and in 27% of patients after chlortetracycline . The improvement in symptoms was significantly higher in patients treated with rifaximin . CONCLUSIONS: Rifaximin is a promising, easily-handled and safe drug for the short-term treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Plasmid, 2000 May, 43(3), 230 - 4
Identification and characterization of a native Dichelobacter nodosus plasmid, pDN1; Whittle G et al.; The gram-negative anaerobe Dichelobacter nodosus is the primary causative agent of ovine footrot, a mixed bacterial infection of the hoof . We report here the characterization of a novel native plasmid, pDN1, from D . nodosus . Sequence analysis has revealed that pDN1 has a high degree of similarity to broad-host-range plasmids belonging, or related, to Escherichia coli incompatibility group Q . However, in contrast to these plasmids, pDN1 encodes no antibiotic resistance determinants, lacks genes E and F, and hence is smaller than all previously reported IncQ plasmids . In addition, pDN1 belongs to a different incompatibility group than the IncQ plasmids to which it is related . However, pDN1 does contain the replication and mobilization genes that are responsible for the extremely broad host range characteristic of IncQ plasmids, and derivatives of pDN1 replicate in E . coli . In addition, the mobilization determinants of pDN1 are functional, since derivatives of pDN1 are mobilized by the IncPalpha plasmid RP4 in E . coli .

FEMS Microbiol Ecol, 2000 Apr 1, 32(1), 1 - 15
Microbial reductive dehalogenation of polychlorinated biphenyls; Wiegel J et al.; Under anaerobic conditions, microbial reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) occurs in soils and aquatic sediments . In contrast to dechlorination of supplemented single congeners for which frequently ortho dechlorination has been observed, reductive dechlorination mainly attacks meta and/or para chlorines of PCB mixtures in contaminated sediments, although in a few instances ortho dechlorination of PCBs has been observed . Different microorganisms appear to be responsible for different dechlorination activities and the occurrence of various dehalogenation routes . No axenic cultures of an anaerobic microorganism have been obtained so far . Most probable number determinations indicate that the addition of PCB congeners, as potential electron acceptors, stimulates the growth of PCB-dechlorinating microorganisms . A few PCB-dechlorinating enrichment cultures have been obtained and partially characterized . Temperature, pH, availability of naturally occurring or of supplemented carbon sources, and the presence or absence of H(2) or other electron donors and competing electron acceptors influence the dechlorination rate, extent and route of PCB dechlorination . We conclude from the sum of the experimental data that these factors influence apparently the composition of the active microbial community and thus the routes, the rates and the extent of the dehalogenation . The observed effects are due to the specificity of the dehalogenating bacteria which become active as well as changing interactions between the dehalogenating and non-dehalogenating bacteria . Important interactions include the induced changes in the formation and utilization of H(2) by non-dechlorinating and dechlorinating bacteria, competition for substrates and other electron donors and acceptors, and changes in the formation of acidic fermentation products by heterotrophic and autotrophic acidogenic bacteria leading to changes in the pH of the sediments.

Obstet Gynecol, 2000 May, 95(5), 652 - 5
Amniocentesis for selection before rescue cerclage; Mays JK et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine whether diagnostic amniocentesis should be part of evaluations of women under consideration for rescue cerclage . METHODS: We reviewed the obstetric records of 25 candidates for rescue cerclage seen between June 30, 1995, and July 1, 1997 . Rescue cerclage was defined as a procedure on a cervix with an internal os dilated at least 2 cm and 50% effaced, with membranes visible at the external os . Transabdominal amniocentesis was offered as part of the preoperative evaluation, and amniotic fluid (AF) was sent for glucose and lactate dehydrogenase level determinations, Gram staining, and culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Placentas were examined for histopathologic evidence of inflammation . The women were divided into three groups . Eleven women had rescue cerclage after amniocentesis, seven had rescue cerclage after declining amniocentesis, and seven had amniocentesis but were treated conservatively because of AF markers of infection . Analysis of variance and chi(2) statistics were used . RESULTS: The group that had rescue cerclage after amniocentesis had a significantly longer mean admission-to-delivery interval, higher mean gestational age at delivery, higher mean birth weight, and higher neonatal survival rate than did the group that had rescue cerclage without amniocentesis and the group that had no cerclage after amniocentesis (P <.001) . CONCLUSION: Amniocentesis before rescue cerclage placement identified women with subclinical chorioamnionitis who would not benefit from cerclage.

J Agric Food Chem, 2000 Apr, 48(4), 1411 - 6
Effect of culture acclimation on the kinetics of aldicarb insecticide degradation under methanogenic conditions; Khandaker NR et al.; This study reports on the kinetics of aldicarb transformation under methanogenic conditions using batch reactors containing acclimated and unacclimated cultures under controlled conditions . Culture acclimation was accomplished by exposing anaerobic microorganisms maintained in a semi-batch reactor to low concentrations of aldicarb . Results of the kinetic studies showed that in an anaerobic system aldicarb is converted to aldicarb nitrile by the hydrolytic pathway . Analysis of the hydrolysis/dehydration rate constants showed that anaerobic cultures enhanced the rate of conversion of aldicarb by 4-fold for acclimated cultures and by 2-fold for unacclimated cultures compared to the rate of abiotic hydrolysis (p < 0.05) . Only the acclimated cultures were able to further mineralize the reaction intermediate aldicarb nitrile . Michaelis-Menten and Monod kinetics adequately defined the aldicarb nitrile degradation.

J AOAC Int, 2000 Mar-Apr, 83(2), 365 - 75
Liquid chromatographic determination of residual nitrite/nitrate in foods: NMKL collaborative study; Merino L et al.; Nitrite and nitrate are used as additives in the food industry to provide color and taste and to control undesirable gas and flavor production by anaerobic bacteria by virtue of their antimicrobial properties . The analytical method that has been widely used to determine nitrite and nitrate involves the use of toxic cadmium . In response to a request from the Nordic Committee on Food Analysis, a study was performed to obtain an alternative chromatographic method to determine residual nitrite and nitrate in meat products . The study was done in 3 stages: (1) comparative evaluation of the performance of 3 liquid chromatographic methods, (2) internal validation of the selected ion chromatographic method, and (3) a collaborative study in which 17 laboratories from European countries participated . Furthermore, the applicability of the method to matrixes other than meat and meat products was demonstrated . The results of the collaborative study show that the European Prestandard prENV 12014-4 is well suited for the determination of nitrite and nitrate in different foods (e.g., meat products, vegetables, baby food, and cheese) . The limits of detection for nitrite and nitrate ions are 1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively . Recoveries of residual nitrite/nitrate ranged from 96 to 108% . Repeatability and reproducibility were satisfactory.

Eur J Oral Sci, 2000 Apr, 108(2), 147 - 53
Total IgA and Porphyromonas gingivalis-reactive IgA in the saliva of patients with generalised early-onset periodontitis; Hagewald S et al.; Generalised early-onset periodontitis (GEOP) is characterized by acute inflammatory bursts, resulting in rapid destruction of the periodontal apparatus in young adults . An impaired host defense seems to play an important role as etiological factor of periodontitis, especially in the development of GEOP . As the gram-negative Porphyromonas gingivalis has been identified as one of the causative anaerobic bacteria, the humoral immune response to this micro-organism is of particular interest in patients with GEOP . To evaluate the local immune status, we measured total and P . gingivalis-reactive salivary IgA in GEOP patients and in age- and gender-matched periodontally normal controls . We found a significantly lower concentration and secretion rate of total salivary IgA in the GEOP group . Although no differences were detected in the concentration or secretion of P . gingivalis-reactive IgA between groups, the specific fraction of P . gingivalis-reactive IgA of the total IgA was significantly higher in the GEOP group . These findings indicate an inhibition of total secretory IgA in GEOP, while the P . gingivalis-reactive humoral immune system in saliva is, however, activated . P . gingivalis seems to selectively activate IgA lymphocyte clones and induces a switch in the fraction of specific IgA.

Microb Pathog, 2000 Apr, 28(4), 235 - 47
Pleiotropic pigmentation mutants of Porphyromonas gingivalis; Chen T et al.; Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative, black pigmented oral anaerobe associated with adult periodontitis . The adherence of the bacterium to junctional epithelial cells is the first step in infection and colonization . The molecular mechanisms and genetics of colonization are, as yet, not well understood, although it has been demonstrated that P . gingivalis fimbriae are involved in adhesion . In addition, cell surface cysteine proteinases may play a role either directly as adhesins or indirectly through their involvement in the biogenesis of fimbriae . A link has been established between cysteine proteinase-hemagglutinating activity and colongy pigmentation on blood agar . In this study a P . gingivalis ATCC 33277 transposon library was screened for white mutants . Pleiotropic mutants were identified with altered pigmentation, proteinase, hemagglutinin and haemolytic activities . Although the mutants fell into two classes based on the above phenotypes, by electron microscopy both classes showed increased fimbriation and decreased vesicle formation . Sequencing of genomic DNA flanking the transposon insertions revealed that one class of mutants carried disruptions in the gene encoding Lys-gingipain (kgp) and the other in a gene homologous to a glycosyl transferase . Potential roles for these genes in pigmentation, fimbriation, vesicle formation and attachment to epithelial cells are discussed .

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 2000 Apr, 89(4), 412 - 9
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis due to odontogenic infections; Sakamoto H et al.; OBJECTIVE: Acute purulent mediastinitis caused by oropharyngeal infection is termed descending necrotizing mediastinitis . Such infections usually have a fulminate course, leading to sepsis and frequently to death . The purpose of this study is to show the importance of early diagnosis, aggressive surgical intervention, and optimal antibiotics chemotherapy in controlling this fatal infectious disease . STUDY DESIGN: Two patients with descending necrotizing mediastinitis due to odontogenic infection who were treated at our institution are described . RESULTS: Both patients survived . CONCLUSIONS: From the patients, 23 different aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated . All of the isolates were susceptible to carbapenem . Early evaluation by means of cervicothoracic computed tomography scanning was extremely useful for diagnosis and surgical planning . Knowledge of anatomic pathways from the mouth to the mediastinum is essential . We believe that tracheostomy is not always necessary . In both of the cases presented, mediastinal drainage was completed through use of a transcervical approach . However, a more aggressive drainage including tracheostomy might be necessary when the infection extends below the carina.

Clin Exp Immunol, 2000 Apr, 120(1), 46 - 50
Oral administration of antigens from intestinal flora anaerobic bacteria reduces the severity of experimental acute colitis in BALB/c mice; Verdu EF et al.; Homeostasis between indigenous intestinal flora and host response may be broken in inflammatory bowel disease . The present study explores whether repeated oral administration of intestinal flora antigens can protect mice against dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis . Sonicates of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, or anaerobic resident bacteria isolated from mouse intestinal flora were fed to BALB/c mice by gastric gavage, with or without cholera toxin . After four weekly doses of 1 mg of these antigen preparations (or of PBS as control), DSS colitis was induced . One week later colitis was evaluated by clinical scores and histology . Mice fed a pool of the three sonicates had decreased inflammation scores (5 (1-14); median (range)) compared with PBS-fed control animals (15 (7-19); P < 0.05) . Decreased inflammation was observed in mice fed anaerobic bacteria antigens (7 (6-11); P < 0.05 versus control), but not in mice fed a pool of Gram-positive and -negative sonicates (16 (12-16)) . Inflammation scores of mice fed antigens with cholera toxin were similar to those of PBS-fed control animals . DSS-induced colitis can be suppressed by oral administration of normal intestinal flora antigens containing anaerobes.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2000 Mar, 50 Pt 2, 883 - 6
16S-23S rDNA spacer of Pectinatus, Selenomonas and Zymophilus reveal new phylogenetic relationships between these genera; Motoyama Y et al.; The 16S-23S rDNA spacer regions of two Pectinatus species, two Zymophilus species and one Selenomonas species were cloned after PCR amplification . The results of PCR amplification showed that these species had two types of spacer regions which differ in molecular size (long and short) . Only the long spacer regions in these bacteria contained one or two tRNA genes (alanine and/or isoleucine) . The spacer regions in these bacteria had a relatively high level of homology . Homology was particularly high for bacteria belonging to the same genus . Interestingly, the order of the two tRNA genes present in the long spacer regions of Pectinatus and Selenomonas was the reverse of that which had been previously reported for other bacteria . The results of spacer homology analysis and the order of the tRNA genes suggest that the taxonomic classification of anaerobic bacteria isolated from the brewing process should be re-examined.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2000 Mar, 50 Pt 2, 633 - 8
Denitrobacterium detoxificans gen . nov., sp . nov., a ruminal bacterium that respires on nitrocompounds; Anderson RC et al.; A new group of anaerobic, Gram-positive, high G + C (56-60 mol%) bacteria was isolated from the bovine rumen . Of four strains characterized, all were non-motile and none produced spores . The isolates did not produce indole or H2S and did not hydrolyse gelatin . Cells of each strain exhibited similar rod-shaped morphology (0.5-1.0 x 1.0-1.5 microns) although bulbous ends were sometimes present . None of the four strains were able to grow via oxidation of a variety of potentially fermentable substrates but rather obtained energy for growth via anaerobic respiration processes, oxidizing hydrogen, formate or lactate for reduction of various oxidized nitrogen compounds . Trimethylamine oxide and DMSO were also used as electron acceptor . All four strains shared greater than 99% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity . The closest match found between the 16S rRNA gene sequence of all four strains, NPOH1T, NPOH2, NPOH3 and MAJ1, to sequences available in GenBank was that of Coriobacterium glomerans (86% sequence similarity), a phenotypically dissimilar anaerobe within the class Actinobacteria . To accommodate these bacteria the creation of a new genus and species, Denitrobacterium detoxificans, for placement within the family Coriobacteriaceae is proposed . The type strain, NPOH1T (ATCC 700546T), grew equally well over a narrow range of incubation temperatures tested (32-39 degrees C).

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2000 Mar, 50 Pt 2, 615 - 22
Salinivibrio costicola subsp . vallismortis subsp . nov., a halotolerant facultative anaerobe from Death Valley, and emended description of Salinivibrio costicola; Huang CY et al.; Strain DVT, a halotolerant, Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, was isolated from a hypersaline pond located in Death Valley, California . The cells were non-spore-forming, motile, curved rods (1.0-1.8 x 0.5-0.6 microns) and occurred singly, in pairs or rarely in chains . Strain DVT was oxidase-, catalase-, Voges-Proskauer-, amylase-, gelatinase- and lipase-positive and indole-negative . Nitrate, sulfate and fumarate were not used as electron acceptors . Carbohydrates served as energy sources both aerobically and anaerobically . Strain DVT grew optimally at 37 degrees C (temperature range 20-50 degrees C) with 2.5% NaCl (NaCl range 0-12.5%) and pH 7.3 (pH range of 5.5-8.5) in a glucose/yeast extract medium with a doubling time of 20 min (aerobically) or 41 min (anaerobically) . The end products of glucose fermentation were ethanol, isobutyrate, propionate, lactate, formate and CO2 . Strain DVT was resistant to penicillin, D-cycloserine, streptomycin and tetracycline (200 micrograms ml-1) . The G + C content was 50 mol% . 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that it was closely related to Salinivibrio costicola (97.7%) and this was confirmed by DNA-DNA hybridization (93% relatedness) . However, phenotypic characteristics such as halotolerance, gas production, growth at 50 degrees C, antibiotic resistance, sugar-utilization spectrum and phylogenetic signatures are sufficiently different from Salinivibrio costicola to warrant designating strain DVT as a new subspecies of Salinivibrio costicola, Salinivibrio costicola subsp . vallismortis subsp . nov . (= DSM 8285T).

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2000 Apr 15, 185(2), 109 - 15
Adhesion to cellulose by Ruminococcus albus: a combination of cellulosomes and Pil-proteins?
Morrison M, Miron J.
An obligatory step in cellulose degradation by anaerobic bacteria is the adhesion of the bacterium to the polysaccharide . In many anaerobic bacteria the adhesion protein, and the enzymes required for extensive polysaccharide hydrolysis, are organized into a complex and interesting structure called the cellulosome . The Gram-positive anaerobe Ruminococcus albus also produces a cellulosome-like complex, but the bacterium appears to possess other mechanism(s) for adhesion to plant surfaces and genes encoding functions relevant to growth on cellulose are conditionally expressed, as suggested by a combination of functional proteomics, differential display reverse-transcriptase PCR, and mutational analysis . A novel form of cellulose-binding protein has been identified and shown to belong to the Pil-protein family, being most similar to the type 4 fimbrial proteins of Gram-negative, pathogenic bacteria . These studies have provided new insights into the adhesion of bacteria to plant surfaces, and call attention to the likely existence of genetically analogous adhesion determinants in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria.

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